Ramesh for technology to replace clinical trial of animals

Concerned over increasing use of animals for clinical trials, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh today advocated alternatives to reduce the practice and said India was taking certain steps in that direction.

"Recent trend shows the use of primates in experimentation is on an upward climb. With the development of human genome research, activities of commercial units and industries and modern methods, there is growing demand of primates in experimentation.

"But, we need not open the floodgates to use animals in experimentation in the name of academic knowledge," he said after inaugurating 'National Conference, 2010' of the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA), here.

He said it was because of international concern and action taken by animal rights activists, civil society organisations, NGOs etc in the country that there was growing awareness and consciousness in the commitments to not use animals.

"But we need to transform to replacement and use modern technology to ensure alternatives which meets the concern of animal lovers. We are taking tentative steps to enter refinement phase.

"We must refine our methods, and replace animals in experiments. Indian culture respect all forms of life, human as well as animal. We will show respect in use of animals in experimentation," he added.