An overview of Nepal Health Research Council

Nepal research health council (NHRC) is a part of Ministry of health (MOH) which deals wholly with research aspect in the health sector of Nepal. Production and implementation of policies for research activities, to give consent for research purpose, to direct the research work, to give authenticity to the research performed, to provide financial help for the research activities are some of the functions of NHRC.

                NHRC  was established in 1991 A.D as a statutory and autonomous body. The part of ministry of health was established so as to study and research the problems being encountered in the health sector not only in the country but internationally as well. NHRC also acquires the information about the studies, research and works being performed in the country by the government, private sector or international organizations. Research work in Nepal cannot be performed in Nepal until the consent of NHRC. If any person or organization performs research work on their own and does not seek the permission of NHRC  pursuant to section 11 or if the person or organization does not abide by the terms and condition mentioned shall be prohibited to carry out any research for a specified time period.

                There are overall 13 members employed by the government of Nepal a member in NHRC. The members come from different fields in the government sector of Nepal. Seven of the members are appointed by Nepal Government from among the physicians of modern medical system and ayurvedic medical system having experience in the study and research relating to health (including Chairman & Vice Chairman). Other members are, one each from ministry of finance, national planning commission, ministry of health and population, chief of research committee (institute of medicine), chairman of Nepal medical council and a person appointed by the Nepal government.

                The grants given in the sector of research is provided from multiple sources. Government of Nepal, international government or organization, amount received from consultancy service and research work are some of the source that finance the research activities in Nepal.

                There are multiple publications like ethical guidelines, annual reports, journals, training manual and books from the NHRC so as to direct the research work according to the terms and conditions implemented by the government and publish the outstanding research works in the journals of NHRC. 

                There are multiple activities that are performed by NHRC so as to enhance capacity of researcher, enhance knowledge and skills of participants and to familiarize the participants in health research process in Nepal. The activities are like training, dissemination workshop and documentation and networking.

                In a nutshell the government of Nepal established the part of MOH as NHRC so as to enhance the productivity and to improvise the health sector in Nepal.