Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC): Role, Functions & Impact

The Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) which is formed according Nepal Health Research Council Act 1991, is the major body responsible for regulating, promoting, implementing, and coordinating health research in Nepal.

The NHRC is the nepal government body responsible for regulating, promoting, and coordinating health research . It operates under the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and plays a crucial role in shaping evidence-based healthcare policies and improving public health outcomes.

In this article, we discuss about the NHRC functions, objectives, key achievements, and ongoing initiatives .

What is the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC)?

Nepal Health Research Council is a one of the nepal government organization that focuses on the health research activities across Nepal. It is regulated under the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and works closely with researchers, policymakers, and international health organizations to enhance evidence-based healthcare solutions and services

Key Objectives of NHRC

1. Promote Scientific Health Research – Encourage high-quality research studies on public health, disease prevention, medical studies, and healthcare systems.
2. Regulates Ethical Research Practices – Ensure all health research ethical guidelines are followed to protect participants.
3. Strengthen Health Policy Formulation – Provide research-based recommendations and suggestions to the government for better future health policies and developments
4. Enhance Collaboration – Partner with national and international institutions to improve research capacity.
5. Disseminate Research Findings – Share health research data with network stakeholders for informed decision-making.

Major Functions of Nepal Health Research Council

NHRC performs several important functions to uphold its mission:

1. Research Approval & Ethical Review

Nepal Health Research Council reviews and approves all health-related research proposals in Nepal to ensure they meet ethical and scientific standards. Researchers doing the different health related researches must obtain NHRC clearance before conducting studies involving human subjects.

NHRC ensures that all health research conducted in Nepal follows ethical guidelines and scientific standards. Its key regulatory functions include:

• Reviewing and approving research proposals before implementation.
• Monitoring ongoing studies to ensure compliance with ethical norms.
• Protecting research participants from unethical practices.
• Setting national ethical guidelines for biomedical and public health research.

2. Funding & Grants for Health Research

NHRC provides financial support to researchers, institutions, and universities working on priority health issues such as:

• Infectious & communicable diseases (Malaria,Tuberculosis, HIV and so on)
• Maternal & Child Health
• Mental health and Nutrition
• Non-communicable diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, hyperthyroidism)

NHRC actively supports health research by:

• Providing grants and financial aid to researchers, universities, and institutions.
• Identifying priority research areas (e.g., infectious diseases, maternal health, non-communicable diseases).
• Encouraging innovative studies that address Nepal’s health challenges.

3. Capacity Building & Training

NHRC organizes workshops, training programs, and conferences to enhance the skills of health researchers and professionals.

To strengthen Nepal’s research ecosystem, NHRC:

• Conducts workshops, seminars, and training programs for researchers and health professionals.
• Enhances skills in research methodology, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Collaborates with international organizations (WHO, NIH, etc.) for advanced training.

4. Publication & Sharing Knowledge

NHRC publishes medical research journals, reports, memorandum and policy briefs to share findings with policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public.

5. National Health Research Priorities

NHRC identifies key research areas based on Nepal’s health needs, ensuring studies align with national health goals.

6. Policy Formulation & Advisory Role

NHRC contributes to national health policies by:

• Providing research-based recommendations to the government.
• Assisting in drafting health strategies (e.g., National Health Policy, Disease Control Programs).
• Supporting evidence-based decision-making in healthcare planning.

7. Collaboration & Partnerships

NHRC works with:

• Government agencies (MoHP, universities, hospitals).
• International organizations (WHO, UNICEF, CDC).
• NGOs and private sector for joint research initiatives.

8. Monitoring & Evaluation of Health Programs

NHRC assesses the effectiveness of health interventions by:

• Conducting impact evaluations of government health programs.
• Recommending improvements based on research evidence.

Why is NHRC’s Role Important?

✅ Ensures high-quality, ethical research in Nepal.
✅ Strengthens healthcare policies with scientific data.
✅ Builds local research capacity for sustainable development.
✅ Improves public health outcomes through evidence-based solutions.

Key Achievements of NHRC

• Established Ethical Guidelines – Developed Nepal’s first National Ethical Guidelines for Health Research.
• COVID-19 Research Leadership – Played a crucial role in coordinating studies on pandemic response and vaccination.
• Strengthened Local Research – Funded hundreds of studies addressing Nepal’s unique health challenges.
• International Collaborations – Partnered with WHO, NIH, and other global health bodies to improve research quality.

How to Get NHRC Approval for Research?

Researchers seeking NHRC approval must follow these steps:

1. Submit a Research Proposal – Detailed study plan with objectives, methodology, and ethical considerations.
2. Ethical Review – NHRC’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) evaluates ethical compliance.
3. Approval & Clearance – Upon meeting criteria, NHRC grants permission to conduct research.
4. Monitoring & Reporting – Researchers must submit progress reports and final findings.

Why is NHRC Important for Nepal’s Health Sector?

• Improves Healthcare Policies – Research insights help shape effective health programs.
• Encourages Local Solutions – Supports studies tailored to Nepal’s health needs.
• Ensures Ethical Standards – Protects research participants from exploitation.
• Boosts International Recognition – Enhances Nepal’s credibility in global health research.

Future Directions of NHRC

NHRC aims to:
✔ Expand digital health research (e-health, telemedicine).
✔ Strengthen climate change and health-related studies.
✔ Increase funding for young researchers and innovators.
✔ Collaborate together with private and academic sectors.

Conclusion

The Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) is a cornerstone of Nepal’s healthcare system, driving innovation, ethical research, and evidence-based policymaking.

For more details, visit the official NHRC website or contact their office in Ramshah Path, Kathmandu.