About RHEAP

Purpose, independence and governance

Nature and purpose

RHEAP is an independent, non-profit, non-political and non-religious association established to advance research, education, professional cooperation and responsible implementation of Remote Health Examination in Pakistan. Its purpose is to research, promote and support the use of RHE with the primary objective of achieving better patient outcomes — particularly for communities and patient groups where access to physicians, specialists, diagnostics or healthcare facilities is limited.

Independence & technology neutrality

RHEAP operates independently from individual healthcare companies, healthcare providers, technology companies, donors and other commercial organisations, and does not operate for the commercial benefit of any individual company, product, technology or service. No member, donor, sponsor, company or other organisation can acquire ownership, voting rights, governance rights or control over RHEAP through donations, sponsorship, cooperation or other financial support. RHEAP also remains politically and religiously independent, while cooperating with ministries, governmental authorities and policymakers on matters related to healthcare, research and RHE.

Governance structure

The General Meeting is RHEAP's highest decision-making body. An Annual General Meeting is held once every calendar year to review activities, approve the annual report and financial statements, approve the activity plan and budget, and elect the Executive Committee. An Extraordinary General Meeting can be called by the Executive Committee, or must be called where at least 20% of voting members submit a written request. Members normally receive at least 14 days' notice of a General Meeting, and each voting member has one vote.

The Executive Committee (5–9 members, normal term two years) manages RHEAP's affairs and implements decisions of the General Meeting. It includes at minimum:

Initial committees

The Executive Committee may establish permanent or temporary committees and working groups, and may invite external experts to participate. Initial committees may include:

• Women's Health Committee
• Hypertension and Cardiovascular Health Committee
• Diabetes Committee
• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Health Committee
• Clinical and Scientific Committee
• Research Committee
• Education and Training Committee
• Technology and Standards Committee
• Ethics and Patient Safety Committee

Conflict of interest

Executive Committee members and persons participating in scientific or professional decision-making must disclose relevant financial, professional or other material conflicts of interest. A person with a material conflict of interest does not participate in a decision where that conflict could materially affect its independence.

Supporting organisations, partners & sponsors

Companies, hospitals, universities, NGOs, foundations, professional organisations and other organisations may support or cooperate with RHEAP as Supporting Organisations, Partners or Sponsors. This status never provides voting rights, ownership, governance rights or automatic representation on the Executive Committee, and financial support never gives control over RHEAP's scientific, clinical or professional positions. Material financial support is disclosed transparently. RHEAP has no supporters listed yet, as the Association is in its founding phase.