Not limited to VS? Crime branch probes alleged nexus in clinical drug trials

Time of India

30-04-2025

Ahmedabad: The recent controversy at
VS Hospital
, where nine doctors were suspended over allegations of financial irregularities and illegally conducting clinical trials outside the knowledge of the hospital, may be just a tip of the iceberg, it has emerged. The incident has brought
clinical drug trials
across major public hospitals under the scanner.
Even before the VS Hospital clinic trial scam came to light, the crime branch had been investigating the alleged
exploitation of vulnerable citizens
from underprivileged communities as subjects of these trials, who were paid between Rs 20,000 and Rs 40,000, top sources in the agency said.
The city crime branch has prepared a dossier against the alleged
medical drug trial mafia
and plans to file a formal complaint soon for endangering human lives.
According to crime branch officials, several clinical trial firms operating in the city, including a few pharmaceutical companies, employ "agents" who "recruit individuals who are in dire need of money," for experimental drug testing.
"These agents reportedly receive 10-20% commission from the participants' payments and fees from the clinical trial companies," said a senior crime branch official.
"We are also investigating allegations where the same individuals are repeatedly sent to different clinical trial agencies, resulting in serious health complications including stroke, paralysis and chronic infections among participants," the senior police official added.
He also pointed out that the eastern parts of Ahmedabad, particularly Hatkeshwar and Nikol areas, have emerged as recruitment hotspots where families have reportedly participated in clinical trials across generations.
Reema Solanki (name changed), a resident of Odhav who works as a domestic help, told TOI, "I was paid Rs 40,000 in instalments over four months for clinical trials at a prestigious hospital."
"I was reeling under the debt of moneylenders, and I did not have any choice but to undergo clinical trials to feed my three young children," she added.
A senior crime branch official said that they will shortly file an FIR for endangering human lives against the clinical trial mafia.