16 December

The Research Capacity Strengthening Training Center was formally opened at the PyinOoLwin branch of the Medical Research Department yesterday with Union Minister Dr Myint Htwe delivering a speech.

The Union Minister for Health and Sports said research activities are important for multi-sector development of the nation and this center will be crucially supportive to the national healthcare system. He said the Medical Research Department has signed 41 MoUs on research projects with international universities and has cooperated on 36 of them in 2018-2019.

The Union Minister said his ministry must reevaluate the 2017 National Health Research Policy and draft strategies and action plans that suit current needs. He expressed his wish for an office of research integrity unit to be opened soon. He said the new center will act as a platform of learning for staff and teachers of both the MoHS and the Ministry of Education.

Next, Union Minister for Education Dr Myo Thein Gyi gave a speech where he said high research capacity is essential for implementing sustainable and coordinated development across all sectors of the nation. He said the nation has different advantages and shortcomings in each of its states and regions and proper research would help identify them more thoroughly so that the advantages may be further strengthened and the shortcomings resolved.

This was followed by Director-General Prof Dr Zaw Than Tun of the Medical Research Department and WHO Country Representative Dr Stephan Jost delivering separate addresses.

Next, the Union Ministers, Pyithu Hluttaw Health and Sports Development Committee Chairman Dr San Shwe Win, MoHS Permanent Secretary Prof Dr Thet Khine Win, and Prof Dr Zaw Than Tun cut ceremonial ribbons to officially open the Research Capacity Strengthening Training Center.

The Union Ministers and officials then observed the libraries, computer rooms, dormitories, lounge and cafeteria inside the building.

The Ministry of Health and Sprots will announce calls for student applications on its website for interested persons from the MoHS and MoE.—MNA (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)