MCI to hold probe in drug trial case

The regulatory agencies have now started tightening its noose on the doctors involved in unethical testing of drugs on patients. After the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) issued show cause notice to five doctors for subjecting 233 patients to clinical trial, Medical Council of India (MCI) is now going to act tough on doctors as it has ordered its own investigations afresh. On Monday, chairperson of MCI professor K.K Talwar ordered a probe in the much infamous clinical trial issue that rocked the medical fraternity all over the country. Talwar has constituted a probe team under professor Sneh Bhargava, who will submit her report on clinical trial that were conducted in the city to take further action if anomalies are found against the doctors.

Prior to this, CPM politbureau member Brinda Karat wrote to MCI about the trial incident urging to take action against those involved in the drug trial in which doctors flagrantly violated minimum ethical standards on their patients. Karat on Monday met Professor Talwar to bring into the notice of the council about the misdeeds of the doctors and urge to cancel the registration of doctors who flouted the norms. Speaking to ToI, Karat informed that it was strange that council is under dark and is still waiting for communication from state government and other regulatory bodies to recommend any further action.

"The council has ordered fresh investigation in drug trial incident. A committee will carry its probe and submit its report to the chairman to take appropriate action against the erring doctors," said Karat.