<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.CERT.906
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>a2137443zex-99_cert906.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EX-99.CERT.906
<TEXT>
<Page>

                                                             Exhibit 99.cert.906

                                  Certification
            Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each of the
undersigned officers of H&Q Healthcare Investors, do hereby certify, to such
officer's knowledge, that:

     The semi-annual report on Form N-CSR of H&Q Healthcare Investors for the
     period ended March 31, 2004 (the "Form N-CSR") fully complies with the
     requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
     1934, as applicable, and information contained in the Form N-CSR fairly
     presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
     operations of H&Q Healthcare Investors.

/s/ Daniel R. Omstead                        /s/ Kimberly L. Carroll
---------------------------                  ---------------------------
Daniel R. Omstead                            Kimberly L. Carroll
President                                    Treasurer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to H&Q Healthcare Investors and will be retained by H&Q Healthcare
Investors and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff
upon request. This statement accompanies this report on Form N-CSR pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed as filed
by H&Q Healthcare Investors for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934.

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
