HEC makes prior approval mandatory for sharing biological material, health data abroad

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed universities and degree-awarding institutions to obtain prior written approval from the National Bioethics Committee (NBC) before transferring human biological material or health-related data abroad.

According to a directive issued by the HEC, universities must obtain permission from the NBC before exporting or sharing human biological samples, including blood, tissues, DNA, RNA and human cells, with foreign institutions.

The commission directed all universities and degree-awarding institutions to fully implement NBC regulations governing the transfer of biological material and health-related information.

The directive said unauthorized transfers of human biological material could pose risks to national security and the protection of Pakistan’s genetic resources.

It also raised concerns over the unregulated sharing of health-related data, including the privacy of Pakistani citizens and the protection of their genetic information.

The HEC warned that institutions violating NBC regulations could face regulatory action.

According to the directive, approval for ongoing and future research projects may also be revoked if the required clearance from the National Bioethics Committee is not obtained.