Clinical Trial Scam: Illegal Experiments On 500 Patients In Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: A high-level probe has uncovered a shocking clinical trial scam at the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)-run Sheth V.S. General Hospital, where nearly 500 patients were subjected to unauthorized drug trials over the past 3-4 years. The investigation revealed that the hospital’s ethical committee, which greenlighted these trials, was illegally created and operated without proper authorization. 

The revelations came after the appointment of a new Medical Superintendent at VS Hospital. Acting on the complaint, the AMC Commissioner directed a high-level committee, including officials from NHL Medical College and AMC’s Vigilance Department to initiate a detailed probe.

At the center of the scandal is Dr. Devang Rana, an Associate Professor and pharmacology expert, who has been suspended for his role in the trials. Eight other doctors, including six on contract, have been either suspended or dismissed pending further inquiry. According to sources, some trials were allegedly conducted after bypassing approvals from the hospital board and without consent protocols mandated by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). 

The so-called ethical committee was formed after SVP Hospital was constructed and lacked the legal mandate or proper sanction, shared Dr. Supriya Malhotra, Professor at NHL College and a member of the investigation team. She further revealed that over 57 trials were conducted between 2021 and 2024 without maintaining any formal patient records or clinical documentation. Financial irregularities have also come to light, with lakhs of rupees allegedly collected from private pharmaceutical firms without any audit trail.

What makes the case particularly alarming is the complete disregard for patient rights and safety. Most of the 500 patients involved were unaware they were part of clinical trials. Preliminary findings suggest that Site Management Officers (SMOs) from pharmaceutical companies were allowed to operate freely inside the hospital premises with no regulatory oversight. A final report from the investigation committee is expected soon, with recommendations for systemic reforms and further disciplinary actions.