VS Hospital Suspends Dr Devang Rana Over Clinical Research Irregularities
Ahmedabad’s VS Hospital has suspended Dr Devang Rana, an associate professor and pharmacology expert, following the detection of serious irregularities in clinical research activities conducted under his watch. The suspension comes after an internal investigation revealed multiple violations of ethical and regulatory guidelines in research protocols.
Dr Rana’s suspension stems from findings that the ethical committee overseeing clinical research was not constituted in accordance with the standards laid out by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). These bodies mandate strict compliance with guidelines to ensure the safety of participants and the integrity of clinical research.
The investigation highlighted that several clinical studies were carried out without proper oversight, and in some cases, approvals were either bypassed or obtained through questionable processes. The violations are reported to have occurred during the tenure of the former medical superintendent, under whom Dr Rana worked closely.
A detailed report outlining these irregularities was submitted to the municipal commissioner, prompting the formation of a high-level probe committee. The committee comprised key officials, including the dean of NHL Medical College, the current medical superintendent of VS Hospital, and the director of vigilance from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
Upon thorough review, the committee uncovered not only non-compliance with clinical research protocols but also significant discrepancies in related financial transactions. These financial irregularities raised further concerns regarding the misuse of resources and ethical misconduct. Based on the committee’s recommendations, Dr Rana was suspended with immediate effect for his role in these lapses.
Sources within the hospital administration stated that this disciplinary action is part of a larger clean-up operation aimed at restoring transparency and accountability in medical research practices at the institution. Action has also been initiated against the former medical superintendent under whose leadership the violations took place.
In a related move, eight contractual doctors associated with the clinical research unit have been relieved of their duties, pending further investigation. Officials said more names could come under scrutiny as the inquiry progresses.
The incident has sparked concern within the medical community and among civic officials, as clinical research is a highly sensitive area requiring strict ethical governance. Experts have stressed the need for stronger institutional checks to prevent such breaches in the future.
VS Hospital, in coordination with the AMC and relevant regulatory bodies, is expected to issue new guidelines and reinforce oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with national standards moving forward.
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