SC Seeks Centre’s Reply on Alleged Illegal Clinical Trials in Gujarat

Quick summary

• The Supreme Court (SC) has sought the central governmentS response to allegations that 58 illegal clinical trials were conducted at sheth Vadilal Sarabhai Hospital, Ahmedabad, over the past four years.
• An NGO, Swasthya Adhikar Manch, presented its case before a bench comprising Justices P S narasimha adn J Bagchi.
• According to the NGO’s claims, the trials violated mandatory ethical guidelines under New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019.
• allegations suggest multinational pharmaceutical companies carried out these trials without proper safeguards, reportedly treating participants as “guinea pigs.”
• an inquiry committee established by Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner identified irregularities in these trials and recommended action against those involved.

!SC seeks Center response on ‘illegal clinical trials’ in Gujarat

Indian Opinion Analysis
The allegations of unethical practices in clinical trials raise notable concerns about medical governance and oversight in India. If true, such violations demonstrate a disregard for participant safety and ethical standards outlined under Indian regulations like the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules. These rules exist precisely to prevent exploitation during drug testing processes-a critical issue given India’s role as a preferred destination for global pharmaceutical research due to affordability factors.

The SC’s intervention highlights judicial awareness of public health ethics amidst claims of negligence by powerful industry players and municipal hospital authorities. While stronger safeguards may be needed going forward for stricter adherence to ethical protocols within clinical research frameworks, any punitive measures could also serve as a deterrent against such lapses nationwide. this case could perhaps set an vital precedent regarding accountability in healthcare sectors across India.

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