NHRC takes up issue of unauthorized clinical drug trials in the country; issues notices to the concerned authorities at the Centre and the State of Andhra Pradesh

New Delhi, June 21st, 2011

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has taken cognizance of a complaint quoting media reports alleging that six women in Andhra Pradesh have been victims of an unauthorized drug trial and its after affects on their health. Allegedly, 25 poor women in Guntur were lured in for testing a cancer drug by a Hyderabad based pharmaceutical company. After taking the drug six women had to be hospitalized for complications.

The Commission has also come across such media reports wherein it has been alleged that there is no effective law to monitor clinical trials in India. This is one of reasons that the country has emerged as a hotspot for foreign companies, which unhesitatingly flout all rules and regulations to test their products on Indians.

Keeping in view the concerns raised in the complaint and the media reports on the clinical drug trials and related violations of human rights of the people, the Commission has issued notices to the Union Health Secretary, Drug Controller General of India, Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh and District Magistrate, Hyderabad calling for their detailed reports within four weeks in the matter.

The Commission has also asked its Director General (Investigation) to depute a team which should consist of a member from its Core Group on Health to inquire into the matter and submit its report.


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