Partnership for Progress: Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and IMU University Advance Medical Research and Education

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and IMU University have signed a five-year MoU to collaborate in biomedical science research, training, and knowledge exchange. IMU University will provide research students who will undergo training at PHKL, gaining hands-on experience in medical research projects. The partnership aims to strengthen research capabilities and foster a culture of innovation in Malaysia's medical research ecosystem.

The dynamic partnership between Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) and International Medical University (IMU) University is set to bolster Malaysia's medical research capabilities. This five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focuses on biomedical science research, training, and knowledge exchange, aiming to foster a culture of innovation within the Malaysian medical research ecosystem [1].

PHKL, an esteemed institution recognized for its commitment to patient safety and ethical research practices, boasts a robust Research and Ethics Committee (REC). This committee, established based on the ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki (2013) [2], ensures that all research conducted at PHKL adheres to stringent ethical standards and regulatory frameworks.

Under the MoU, IMU University will provide research students with the opportunity to undergo training at PHKL, gaining hands-on experience in medical research projects. This collaboration not only strengthens research capabilities but also fosters a culture of innovation, as students and researchers from both institutions exchange knowledge and ideas.

PHKL's REC plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights, safety, and wellbeing of all research subjects [2]. The committee reviews applications for ethics approval, overseeing all research being conducted at the hospital and requesting progress reports from investigators. Suspensions, terminations, or revisions of ethics approvals can be imposed if necessary, and the committee participates in continuing education activities in biomedical ethics and research.

The collaboration between PHKL and IMU University is expected to yield significant benefits for Malaysia's medical research ecosystem. By strengthening research capabilities and fostering a culture of innovation, this partnership will contribute to the development of groundbreaking treatments and therapies, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for the Malaysian population.

References:
[1] Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur. (n.d.). Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and IMU University Sign MoU to Collaborate in Biomedical Science Research, Training and Knowledge Exchange. Retrieved from https://www.pantai.com.my/news/pantai-hospital-kuala-lumpur-and-imu-university-sign-mou-to-collaborate-in-biomedical-science-research-training-and-knowledge-exchange
[2] Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur. (n.d.). Research and Ethics Committee. Retrieved from https://www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur/research-ethics