NHRC notice on unethical drug trials on Bhopal gas victims

NHRC issues notices to the Centre and the Madhya Pradesh Government on allegations of unethical drug trials on Bhopal gas victims

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has taken cognizance of a complaint referring to a news web link alleging that on pretext of medical treatment, the Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre has carried out unethical clinical trials on Bhopal gas victims resulting in death of many persons.

Allegedly, the multi-specialty hospital was setup for treatment of gas victims, but it conducted unethical drug trials in them. 215 out of 279 patients on whom unethical drug trials were conducted comprised Bhopal gas victims.

On consideration of the complaint, the Commission has issued notices to the Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh calling for their reports in the matter within four weeks.