{"id":18122,"date":"2022-09-08T08:01:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T00:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/v3\/?p=18122"},"modified":"2022-09-08T10:17:20","modified_gmt":"2022-09-08T02:17:20","slug":"mou-solidifies-sgh-as-centre-of-excellence-for-clinical-trials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/v3\/2022\/09\/08\/mou-solidifies-sgh-as-centre-of-excellence-for-clinical-trials\/","title":{"rendered":"MoU Solidifies SGH as Centre of Excellence for Clinical Trials"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Clinical Research Malaysia \u2013 an agency under the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) \u2013 and Novartis Malaysia \u2013 the Malaysian branch of leading global pharmaceutical company Novartis \u2013 has strengthened the position of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) as a preferred site for clinical trials in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The memorandum was established based upon the hospital\u2019s accreditation in 2019 under the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency Phase I Unit Inspection & Accreditation Programme, enabling it to conduct early phase studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister of Health Malaysia YB Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, who witnessed the MoU signing at the Clinical Research Centre Auditorium in SGH on 5 September 2022, said in his address that SGH being Novartis\u2019s preferred site for clinical trials beginning next year is \u201csignificant\u201d in three ways:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Minister of Health Malaysia YB Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar speaking at the MoU signing between Clinical Research Malaysia and Novartis Malaysia on 5 September 2022. Photo from the minister’s Twitter page<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cFrom a research perspective, SGH will now become a centre of excellence in Malaysia for clinical trials \u2013 one that can cater for different phases of clinical trials, from FiH (First-in-Human) clinical trials to late phase clinical research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFrom a talent and value perspective, by having this site established in Sarawak, not only will the health equality gap in Sarawak be addressed, but also Malaysia can leverage (on it) by attracting talents that range from medical specialists to researchers who would be encouraged to work in this region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOpportunities for more clinical trials or world-renowned research to be conducted in our country can be enhanced and the spill over effect from these ventures could be capitalised to place Malaysia as a healthcare hub that is both innovative and abreast with the latest science and technology.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Representing the organisation in the signing event and exchange of documents were (seated from right to left) Mohamed ElWakil, Country President of Novartis Malaysia, Clinical Research Malaysia CEO, Dr Akhmal Yusof, and SGH Hospital Director, Dr Ngien Hie Ung. Photo from Minister of Health Malaysia YB Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar’s Twitter page<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cFrom a patient\u2019s perspective, clinical trials offer hope to patients as patients who are part of a clinical trial may be the first to try a novel therapy. The close monitoring and evaluation done by a group of healthcare experts to ensure treatment safety and efficacy can be a booster for a patient\u2019s morale.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event was part of YB Khairy Jamaluddin\u2019s one-day working visit to Sarawak. Earlier in the day, he visited Hospital Simunjan as well as Klinik Kesihatan<\/em> (KK) Semera Lot, Asajaya, KK Sadong Jaya and KK Gedong to review their development, infrastructure and operations.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Minister of Health Malaysia YB Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar (centre) visiting a ward in SGH on 5 September 2022. Photo from the minister’s Twitter page.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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