Cabinet may take up proposal to Health Ministry proposal

2,770 clinical trials have so far taken place in India but between 2008 and 2011, 2,031 deaths were reported during the drug trials in India, forcing the government to set up committees for review of the existing clinical trial approval mechanisms.

The Health Ministry has claimed that during inter- ministerial consultations, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has agreed to the proposal with the approval of Finance Minister.

It said the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has also supported the proposal.

The Health Ministry in its proposal has stated the additional post of Joint Secretary exclusively for Department of Health Research will facilitate better coordination/implementation of the targets with which the Department was created.

Besides, it has said it will also ensure smooth functioning of the Department of Health Research, which is grappling with contentious issues like bringing in regulation for clinical trials.

It also handles promotion and coordination of basic, applied and clinical research and promotes and provides guidance on research governance issues, including ethical issues in medical and health research, besides inter-sectoral coordination and promotion of public-private partnership in medical, biomedical and health research related issues.