Health research is an investment for development and health improvement. It is an essential source of evidence- based information that cannot be provided through routine sources that are required for the process of planning; implementation; monitoring and evaluation. Research is an essential tool for formulation of solid information system and database.
Therefore, the Ministry of Health (MoH) had established the Department of Research and Studies under the Directorate General of Planning since 1991 which draws the research policy and sets the research priorities from the “fifth 5-Year Plan for Health Development, 1996-2000” and onward. The research policy aims at spreading of research culture; promotion of the scientific approach; development of research skills & infrastructures at different levels of health sectors and utilization of research findings in planning and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health system and decision making.
