The Hospital has officially reinstated its Institutional Research Board (IRB) to continue the review and approval of research activities conducted within the hospital.
The programme commenced with remarks from the Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, who expressed appreciation to the team and conveyed management's satisfaction with the reconstitution of the board.
He emphasised that while there is always a valid reason to undertake research, it is essential that all studies are conducted in strict accordance with established standards and approved protocols to ensure ethical compliance, quality, and credibility of research findings.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Professor George Obeng Agyei, noted that since the establishment of the committee, it has experienced steady growth in the number of research submissions received. He indicated that the committee continues to review a wide range of research proposals, many of which are institution-based studies.
However, he observed that some protocols have been rejected because investigators did not demonstrate the requisite qualifications or adequate training needed to conduct the proposed research.
Prof. Agyei expressed hope for an increase in high-quality intervention studies, improved conduct of clinical trials, and stronger institutional support to enhance research capacity while promoting adherence to ethical and scientific standards.
In her remarks, Madam Anita Ago Asare, a member of the committee, encouraged members to remain committed to attending meetings on scheduled dates to ensure active participation in the board's activities. She expressed the hope that, in the coming years, the Research Board would have a dedicated Director to provide further leadership and strengthen its operations.
Dr. Roberta Lamptey encouraged members to embrace the principle that has guided her throughout the years: "Excellence in everything, especially in the details." She noted that this principle should serve as a foundation for all research activities and professional endeavours.
The other committee members include Dr. Daniel Ankrah from the University of Cape Coast; and, from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Adwoa Afrane, Dr. Mabel Banson, Dr. Jerry Coleman, Dr. R.N.A. Taylor Dawson, Dr. Damoah, Dr. Ernest Adjepong-Tandoh, Dr. Geoffrey Ofori Birikorang, Mr. Walter A. Dorcoo, Mr. Kwame Gyamfi, Dr. Solomon Atindama, Dr. Isabella Efua Asamoah, Professor Catherine Segbefia, Dr. Abdul-Latif Adam, Professor Lorna Renner, and Prof. Josephine Akpalu.
Professor B.N.L. Calys-Tagoe and Mr. Okyere Boateng are representatives from the University of Ghana Medical School and the private sector on the committee.
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