There is no overall strategy for health research in Ireland and funding is "clearly inadequate", according to a consultation document issued by the Health Research Board (HRB).
The Government spent £8.5 million on medical research in 1998, just 0.26 per cent of non-capital expenditure on health in that year, the newly released document pointed out. The State's investment in health research as a percentage of public health expenditure is the lowest of any EU state.
The document, "Making Knowledge Work for Health: towards a strategy for research and innovation for health" was prepared with the approval of the Department of Health and Children. It is the first time that such a national strategy has been drafted and the document is meant to serve as a basis for discussion and consultation towards the development of a strategy for health research.
The HRB was now seeking comments on the document in writing or by email before the end of next month and planned to hold a conference in March where the document and its contents could be discussed, stated Prof Michael Murphy, the board's chairman. "The HRB proposes to engage in widespread consultation on the document," he said. "The issues are complex and there are many organisations and individuals that have an interest in research for health."
The document takes a comprehensive look at how medical research is conducted, funded and who provides it. While the Government has launched a number of important documents outlining strategies on cancer, women's health, alcohol abuse and cardiovascular disease, there is a "need for a national strategy" that brings all the strands together, it says.
There is "no overall research and development strategy for the health services to guide priorities for the commissioning of research, to clarify the role of the relevant health agencies in research, to recommend standards for the commissioning of research or to foster the dissemination of the results of research throughout the health services," the document states.
Research "should be a core activity of every health agency". It adds that "funding for research is clearly inadequate and needs to be increased within an overall strategy."
The document looks at the ethical considerations of medical research involving humans and also studies involving animals. It suggests that legislative changes could be necessary to bring the State into line with EU policy.
The publication of the document is an "expression of support" from the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Cowen, and his continued commitment is "essential" if progress towards a comprehensive strategy is to be made, the document states.
Comments on the document should be returned by February 29th, and may be posted to the HRB at 73 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, faxed to (01) 661-1856 or emailed to strategy@hrb.ie. Copies of the document may be downloaded from the HRB website at http://www.hrb.ie
