Unethical Cancer Trials at Bengaluru’s HCG: Govt Orders Inquiry

In a development across the state, the Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department has written to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), seeking an urgent investigation into allegations of unethical clinical trials at the Bengaluru-based Health Care Global Enterprises Limited (HCG), a reputed cancer hospital chain.

Karnataka Health Department has sought an investigation from the Drug Controller General of India into alleged unethical clinical trials at HCG Bengaluru.@CDSCO_INDIA_INF@MoHFW_INDIA@CMofKarnataka@KarnatakaVarthepic.twitter.com/z25KjYs6dc

— Karnataka Health Department (@DHFWKA)

Karnataka Health Department has sought an investigation from the Drug Controller General of India into alleged unethical clinical trials at HCG Bengaluru.@CDSCO_INDIA_INF@MoHFW_INDIA@CMofKarnataka@KarnatakaVarthepic.twitter.com/z25KjYs6dc

— Karnataka Health Department (@DHFWKA) July 1, 2025

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The letter, dated 30th June 2025, highlights grave concerns raised by Justice P. Krishna Bhat (Retd.), the former Chairperson of the Institutional Ethics Committee at HCG. Justice Bhat, who has resigned in protest, alleged that multiple clinical trials were being conducted without proper regulatory compliance, oversight, or adherence to ethical principles. Among the concerns flagged are unchecked conflicts of interest, possible patient exploitation, and violation of global ethical standards set by bodies like WHO, DCGI, ICMR, and DHR.

What has amplified the seriousness of the matter is the reported pattern of resignations following the allegations. Justice Bhat’s resignation as Ethics Committee Chair was soon followed by the CEO and key medical staff stepping down, indicating deeper systemic issues within the institution’s clinical research practices.

Alarming reports suggest that economically disadvantaged cancer patients, who cannot afford costly treatments, were allegedly lured into participating in clinical trials without fully informed consent, raising serious questions about patient safety. There are even allegations that some patients may have suffered severe harm, or even death, due to these trials.

The Karnataka Health Department, acknowledging the magnitude of these claims, has urged the central regulatory body to launch a thorough probe to ensure accountability and to protect vulnerable patients from further exploitation.