<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.(N)
<SEQUENCE>9
<FILENAME>a2136845zex-99_n.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 99(N)
<TEXT>
<PAGE>


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
                             PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



We hereby consent to the use in this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-2 ("Registration Statement") of our report
dated November 25, 2003, relating to the financial statements and financial
highlights of H&Q Healthcare Investors (the "Fund"), which appear in such
Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the
headings "Financial Highlights" and "Experts" in such Registration Statement.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
May 26, 2004

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
