Situation analysis of research ethics governance in Pakistan.

Background: Mapping of ethical governance structures is very useful in identifying strengths and weaknesses in order to uphold integrity and ensure standardization. However, reliable countrywide data about ethical review committees (ERCs) is unavailable in Pakistan.

Aims: To evaluate the research ethics governance mechanisms at national level and at key healthcare institutions in Pakistan.

Methods: This pilot mapping exercise used a mixed-methods approach, involving a cross-sectional survey of 19 key healthcare research institutions, and structured in-depth interviews with the chairs of the National Bioethics Committee and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan.

Results: Eighteen institutions responded to the ethics mapping survey. Twelve public sector ERCs had a permanent structure and 17 had formal terms of reference. Seven ERCs claimed accreditation, although no central accreditation agency exists in Pakistan. Eight ERCs were chaired by the heads of the institutions. There was no fixed tenure for the heads in 13 committees, and 14 committees allowed multiple terms. Six ERCs had follow-up mechanisms for ethical approvals, and 6 took punitive actions in response to any deviation from an approved protocol, or to a scientific misconduct. Two respondents recalled situations where applicants pressured committee members for favourable approvals. Survey respondents mentioned the lack of central research ethics guidelines as a weakness of the national governance system. Structured interviews revealed the need for formal training of committee members and capacity strengthening, particularly for administrative staff.

Conclusion: There is a need to develop guidelines for local ethics governance in Pakistan, and ensure accreditation of ERCs through the National Bioethics Committee to uphold the integrity of the ethics governance structure.