Unlocking the Power of Health Datasets and Registries: The Need for Urgent Institutional and National Ownership and Governance Regulations for Research Advancement

Abstract: Health datasets have immense potential to drive research advancements and improve healthcare outcomes. However, realizing this potential requires careful consideration of governance and ownership frameworks. This article explores the importance of nurturing governance and ownership models that facilitate responsible and ethical use of health datasets for research purposes. We highlight the importance of adopting governance and ownership models that enable responsible and ethical utilization of health datasets and clinical data registries for research purposes. The article addresses the important local and international regulations related to the utilization of health data/medical records in research, and emphasizes the urgent need for developing clear institutional and national guidelines on data access, sharing, and utilization, ensuring transparency, privacy, and data protection. By establishing robust governance structures and fostering ownership among stakeholders, collaboration, innovation, and equitable access to health data can be promoted, ultimately unlocking its full power for transformative research and improving global health outcomes.