Abstract
Basic bio-medical research is an essential component in public health for dealing with increased and
complex threats from emerging, re-emerging and existing prevalent diseases in the modern world. The
existence of a critical mass of scientists, personnel, facilities and technology, working concurrently with
efficient public health and clinical facilities, capable of producing high-quality scientific information
related to diseases or problems, is a critical component for any nation, in particular for developing countries facing health threats. The article gives a close-up view of the experiences of a network of bio-medical
research within academic institutions collaborating with clinical facilities within the Ministry of Public
Health. The purpose of collaboration was the production of essential scientific information that could
translate into useful clinical and epidemiological applications. The article reveals the tacit potentials, in
personnel and facility, embedded within the Ministry that, if properly managed and supported, could be
utilized in order to enhance this essential collaborative activity
