Institutional Review and Research Advisory Board (IRRAB)
Background
The value of health research to society is enormous. It can offer crucial information on disease trends and risk factors, treatment outcomes or public health actions, functional skills, care patterns, and costs and utilization of healthcare services. Our institutional approach to research integrity, or the formal and informal ethics, standards, protocols, and regulations that researchers should adhere to in their setting, is a crucial component of research culture.
In Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Institutional Review Board (IRB) was initially established in 2006 in collaboration with NHRC for promoting ethical research culture in undergraduate and postgraduate students of Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore.
In 2022 the mandate of IRB has been broadened as IRRAB of SZMC that functions through its two wings:
- Technical & Ethical Review Committee (TERC)
- Health Research Advisory Board (HRAB)
IRRAB (IORG0010948) has been affiliated and registered with Department of Health and Human Services. Office of Human Resource and Protection and Federal Worldwide agency (FWA00030731) United States of America (USA).
IRRAB Secretariat
National Health Research Complex, Lahore
NHRC was established during 1985-1986 as a mandate given to the Pakistan Health Research Council. Now NHRC is working under the National Institute of Health, (HRI), Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination, Government of Pakistan (NHSRC). Since its inception NHRC is working as integral component and collaborator of Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex.
NHRC provides secretarial support to the two wings of IRRAB of Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore and assistance to various health professionals/students/trainees in research methodology, biostatistics, data analysis and bioethics.
Objectives of TERC:
- Review of all research proposals which are developed by faculty or postgraduate and undergraduate students of Medical, Dental, Nursing or Allied at Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore.
- Review all research proposals by faculty or postgraduate and undergraduate students from any other Medical & Non-medical institution. If approved by Chairman IRB.
- All research proposals / projects of other institutions which include the questionnaire forms / Performa which are designed for any component of Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex (SZMC), Lahore involving patients, student, nursing staff, Lab investigations etc.
Objectives of HRAB:
- Arrange and Allocation research funds to researchers through their supervisors from all components of SZMC i.e., SZH, NIKD, SFINHS, NHRC and SKMZDC.
- Conduct seminar / workshops /training/ academic conferences for supervisors, co-supervisors of postgraduate and undergraduate students of SZMC. Lahore
Message by Chairman IRRAB:
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As we navigate through the ever-evolving landscape of scientific progress, I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the pivotal role that research plays in shaping our society, driving innovation, and addressing critical challenges.
Research stands as the foundation upon which advancements in all fields are built. It is through rigorous inquiry, investigation, and experimentation that we expand the boundaries of knowledge, uncover new possibilities, and bring about positive change. From fundamental discoveries to groundbreaking inventions, research propels us forward and enriches our understanding of the world around us. First and foremost, research fuels progress and fosters innovation. It enables us to delve deeper into complex phenomena, identify novel solutions, and develop transformative technologies.
As members of the Institutional Review and Research Advisory Board, you are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that research conducted within our institution upholds the highest technical and ethical standards. Your expertise and commitment to upholding these principles are indispensable in fostering an environment that nurtures groundbreaking discoveries while safeguarding the well-being of all involved.
Let us reaffirm our dedication to fostering a culture of research excellence, ethical conduct, and scientific integrity. Together, let us embrace the transformative power of research, recognizing its immense importance in shaping a better future for all.