Ahmedabad, April 22 – The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has suspended nine doctors, including an associate professor from a municipal medical college, following allegations of financial irregularities in revenue generated from clinical trials conducted at a civic-run hospital. According to officials, the doctors are accused of bypassing mandatory protocols by forming their own ethics committee to conduct trials, instead of establishing the legally required independent ethics committee.
The controversy came to light after Congress councillor Rajshree Kesari alleged on Sunday that at least three patients had died over a period of four years due to unauthorized clinical trials at the AMC-run V S Hospital. Kesari, who represents the Chandkheda ward, further claimed that around 500 patients were enrolled in these trials over the years, and that the clinical trial department head Dr. Devang Rana, along with others, misappropriated fees paid by four pharmaceutical companies, depriving the hospital of its rightful share.
Following these allegations, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel confirmed on Monday that Dr. Rana and eight other doctors involved in the clinical trial team have been suspended based on preliminary findings. Dr. Rana, an associate professor in the pharmacology department at NHL Municipal Medical College, was appointed as the head of clinical trials at V S Hospital in 2021. While Dr. Rana is a permanent employee, the remaining eight doctors were working under contract with AMC.
The minister explained that, typically, revenue from clinical trials is split between the participating doctors and the hospital. However, in this case, the doctors allegedly kept the entire amount for themselves. As per agency report, further investigation is underway, and additional actions will be taken based on the final findings.
Kesari, citing documents in her possession, asserted that the clinical trials conducted under Rana’s supervision led to the deaths of at least three patients. She also stated that formal agreements were signed between four pharmaceutical companies and the hospital administration for conducting these trials, but the procedures were not followed legally, raising serious ethical and legal concerns.
The case has sparked debate over the monitoring of clinical research in public hospitals and the need for strict oversight to prevent misuse of medical trials and safeguard patient rights.
