DCGI Bans VS Hospital Ahmedabad over Illegal Trials
Summary: A major clinical trial scandal has rocked Ahmedabad’s VS Hospital, where over 500 patients were allegedly involved in 58 unauthorised drug and vaccine trials conducted without ethical approvals between 2021 and 2025. The DCGI has now banned the hospital from conducting future trials. Several doctors and pharmaceutical companies are under scrutiny, with charges of financial misconduct and regulatory violations.
Inside the VS Hospital Trials Scandal: Over 500 Patients, No Approval
Did you know that over 500 patients were part of clinical trials that never got proper approval?
Between 2021 and April 2025, Ahmedabad’s VS Hospital allegedly conducted 58 unauthorised drug and vaccine trials, prompting the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to shut down all future trial activities at the facility.
DCGI Cracks Down After Shocking Violations Uncovered
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) launched a five-member probe led by its vigilance department chief, following multiple allegations. What they found was alarming:
- Dozens of trials were carried out without any legal or ethical clearances
- Involving more than 500 patients
The DCGI immediately instructed AMC to halt all trials at VS Hospital, stating that the facility lacks the necessary infrastructure to conduct them.
Doctors Accused of Financial Misconduct
According to the media reports, three doctors are accused of conducting these trials for personal financial gain
- Dr Manish Patel (former superintendent)
- Dr Devang Rana (clinical head)
- Dr Dhaivat Shukla
“Charge sheets will be issued against the accused doctors,” said an AMC official. It was found that no funds were deposited into the hospital’s account; instead, money was routed to the personal and family accounts of the doctors involved.
What the Probe Report Revealed
The AMC committee’s report states:
- 58 clinical trials conducted from 2021 to 2025
- No legal procedures followed
- Approval taken only from a private ethics committee
- No documentation maintained
- Trials done on over 500 patients
- No funds credited to hospital accounts
Hospital Had No Right to Conduct Trials
An AMC official clarified that VS Hospital wasn’t affiliated with any ethics committee and lacked permanent senior doctors, two prerequisites for legal clinical research. Also, the hospital was excluded from the ethics committee in 2021, making it ineligible for any form of human research.
Trials were conducted regardless, with no green signal from:
- AMC (Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation)
- Medical Education Trust
- VS Hospital management
AMC’s Next Steps ... Increased Political Pressure
The probe began on April 19, following a complaint by Congress councillor Rajshree Kesari, who alleged that doctors were using patient data and trial funds for personal enrichment.
The aftermath:
- Dr Rana and eight contract doctors suspended
- Notices were served to other involved doctors
- The committee added Dr Bhavin Solanki, AMC’s in-charge health officer, to ensure transparency
Background: Hospital Transition and Ethics Loophole
In 2019, SVP Hospital was operationalised on the VS Hospital premises, and VS was retained with 500 beds. An ethics committee was set up for SVP, but VS Hospital was removed from its jurisdiction in 2021.
Despite this, trials continued at VS Hospital without the required permissions, misusing private ethics committee approvals that do not override regulatory protocols.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Trial Ethics in India
This case is a serious breach of trust and patient safety, highlighting the urgent need for tighter regulatory enforcement. The DCGI’s firm action sends a clear message: unauthorised trials will not be tolerated.
Until the hospital rebuilds its clinical and ethical framework, it is banned from conducting any clinical research, a necessary step in restoring public trust.
Inputs from various media sources.
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
