The Centre has launched a formal investigation into Bengaluru’s Healthcare Global Enterprises (HCG) Hospital following serious allegations of unethical clinical trials. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has formed a committee to inspect the hospital from July 3 to 5, after complaints that poor cancer patients were being exploited in trials without proper consent or transparency.
The probe was initiated after former chairman of HCG’s Institutional Ethics Committee, retired Justice P. Krishna Bhatt, raised concerns that impoverished patients—unable to afford cancer treatment—were being used as test subjects. Despite repeated warnings and letters, hospital authorities allegedly attempted to suppress the issue.
Justice Bhatt and several doctors have resigned over the controversy. HCG’s CEO and Director also stepped down amid mounting pressure. Sources say the hospital failed to report patient deaths during trials as per WHO protocols, severely breaching ethical standards.
In 2023, U.S.-based pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly had already suspended a study with HCG, citing unethical practices involving underprivileged patients. The ongoing revelations have raised questions about the hospital’s adherence to regulatory processes, trial integrity, and patient safety.
The CDSCO committee includes zonal and national drug control officers and subject experts, and was constituted following a formal request by the Karnataka Health Commissioner. Officials stress that if violations are confirmed, strict action will follow. This case has reignited concerns about India’s clinical trial regulations, particularly around informed consent and the exploitation of vulnerable populations in the healthcare system.