Gandhinagar:
Following the explosive clinical trial scandal at VS Hospital, Gujarat’s Health Department has broadened its investigation to include all clinical trials conducted at colleges and hospitals run by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) and the Gujarat Medical Education Research Society (GMERS).
Investigation Scope and Focus
Health officials have called for detailed records of all clinical trials conducted in these institutions over the past two years. The investigation will scrutinize the operations of ethical and research committees, as well as their membership details. It will also review financial transactions related to these trials, according to sources within the Health Department.
Potential for Wider Misconduct
Sources suggest that the ongoing probe may uncover similar irregularities across other state medical facilities, although the extent of the potential misconduct is still unclear.
Shock Within the Medical Community
“The incident at VS Hospital is a shock to the medical world,” remarked a senior official from the DMER in Gandhinagar. “Ethical clinical trials are being conducted in many government medical colleges and hospitals. All of these trials should adhere to proper rules.” The official confirmed that authorities are currently checking the registration status of ethical committees involved in the trials.
Thorough Examination of Recent Trials
“We are reviewing data from trials conducted over the last one or two years,” the official added. “The focus is also on identifying any questionable financial transactions related to these trials.”
Meetings Held at Major Government Hospitals
High-level meetings have already taken place with senior officials from Sola Civil Hospital, Medical College, and Gotri Medical College and Hospital. Authorities have instructed these institutions to compile and submit all relevant data about clinical trials to the health department promptly.
Health Commissioner Downplays Investigation
State Health Commissioner Harshad Patel attempted to downplay the scale of the investigation, calling it a “verification” rather than an investigation. “There were violations in the clinical trials conducted by VS Hospital. However, ethical clinical trials are being conducted in DMER and GMERS medical colleges and hospitals,” Patel stated. He emphasized that the department had only requested data and details related to the clinical trials.
Ongoing Developments and Unavailable Officials
Despite repeated efforts, both Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Health Secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi were unavailable for comment as the story continues to develop.
