Ahmedabad:
A major controversy has erupted in Gujarat after allegations surfaced of unauthorised stem cell therapy trials conducted at a government hospital, allegedly leading to the deaths of 741 kidney patients. The charges were made by Gujarat Congress spokesperson Parthivrajsinh Kathavadia, citing findings from a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report.
Over 2,300 Patients Subjected to Unapproved Stem Cell Therapy
According to Kathavadia, between 1999 and 2017, as many as 2,352 patients at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC), Ahmedabad, were subjected to experimental stem cell therapy without proper approvals. He alleged that the CAG report reveals:
- 741 deaths possibly linked to the therapy
- 569 cases of kidney transplant failure
- 110 cases where complications prevented transplants
- An overall 91% failure rate, with 2,132 patients reporting unsuccessful outcomes
Therapy Discontinued After National Committee Intervention
Kathavadia added that the National Apex Committee for Stem Cell Research and Therapy had not approved these clinical trials. Following its intervention, the therapy was discontinued in 2017. He further stated that the CAG had observed that IKDRC conducted these trials without approval from the Institutional Committee for Stem Cell Research and Therapy.
“Unauthorised experiments were carried out on innocent patients. Who will be held accountable for the loss of those lives?” Kathavadia asked, demanding stringent action against all responsible parties.
National Transplant Body Seeks State Report
In response to the controversy, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has asked the Gujarat State Health Department to submit a detailed report on the actions taken in the matter so far.
Previous Scandal: Unapproved Drug Trials and Embezzlement
The revelations come close on the heels of another scandal in the state. A report by Mathrubhumi exposed that doctors at an Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation hospital were involved in unapproved drug trials and financial misappropriation. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) subsequently barred VS Hospital from conducting any further clinical trials. Investigations found:
- 58 unauthorised drug trials from 2021 to April 2025
- Nine doctors suspended
- Nearly 50 pharmaceutical companies under scrutiny
Congress Slams Health Department for Negligence
Kathavadia squarely blamed the health department for negligence, stating that it allowed the experimental therapy to continue for nearly two decades without oversight.
“The Congress demands full accountability and immediate action against all officials and doctors responsible for this gross violation of medical ethics and human rights,” he said.
