- The MREC is composed of at least 5 voting members.
- The members shall include at least one member whose primary area of interest is in medical science, at least one member whose primary area of interest is in non-medical / non-scientific areas, and at least one member independent of the Ministry of Health (MOH).
- The members shall have various backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of research activities commonly conducted by the MOH. Members may include physician, pharmacist, nurse, scientist, lawyer, statistician, allied health personnel, and/or layperson.
- The MREC cannot consist entirely of men or women or entirely of one ethnic group.
- Members are appointed based on their personal capacities with expertise in their respective fields, and experience in research and ethics. The lists of candidates to be appointed MREC members are to be submitted by the MREC Chairperson to the Deputy Director General of Health(Research & Technical Support) for endorsement before forwarding to Director General (DG) of Health for approval, at least 1 month before expiry of the term of office of a sitting MREC. The DG of Health has the final decision on the appointment of MREC members and is not restricted by the lists submitted by the Chairperson.