Researcher Evelyn Bonnie calls on Ghana to invest in medical science — MyJoyOnline
In Ghana, Evelyn Yaira Bonnie, an associate professor at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, called on the government to systematically invest in medical research and specialist training. According to her, this will help translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions for the healthcare system and retain qualified researchers in the country.
Bonnie said this on September 29 during the University of Ghana Medical Centre Research Symposium, dedicated to integrating research, technology and clinical care, MyJoyOnline reports. The event was organized by the Medical Scientific Research Centre through its research training and development unit and external engagement office.
From laboratory to patient
According to the researcher, having the research centre located directly within the hospital is one of the University of Ghana Medical Centre's advantages. This allows researchers to work in close contact with the clinical environment: identify problems in wards, study them in the laboratory and return the resulting solutions to patient treatment practice.
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Bonnie stressed that research results should not be limited to academic conclusions. In her view, they should become practical interventions and products that can later also be used in other hospitals and medical facilities. Before wider use, such products must receive approval from Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority and other relevant regulators.
Funding and personnel training
The researcher noted that quality research requires substantial funding, including for training and human capacity development. She warned that a lack of funding may encourage specialists with specialized skills to seek opportunities abroad and not return to Ghana.
Bonnie also urged symposium participants to carefully look for gaps in existing research and presentations in order to shape new areas of work. According to her, research must provide evidence and solutions for problems in the healthcare sector.
