Thiruvananthapuram: Former Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday expressed shock over reports that experimental drugs intended for spinal muscular atrophy clinical trials were administered to children suffering from the genetic disease without obtaining the informed consent of their parents. He demanded strict action against those responsible for the distribution.
In a public statement, Vijayan asserted that providing experimental medicines to vulnerable children without parental knowledge is a serious matter that cannot be taken lightly, prompting his call for a thorough investigation. The Leader of the Opposition also criticized State Health Minister K Muraleedharan, accusing him of displaying indifference and questioning whether children with severe illnesses were being treated as test subjects.
His remarks follow media reports in which parents claimed that spinal muscular atrophy medications distributed via the Sree Avittom Thirunal Hospital carried labels designating them as physician samples and restricted for clinical trials only. The Communist Party of India veteran described the situation as a clear breach of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act alongside storage regulations, arguing that the Health Department cannot escape accountability.
Earlier in the day, Muraleedharan addressed reporters by stating that the distribution followed a circular issued by the previous administration, suggesting that further details could be obtained from Dr. Mini at Sree Avittom Thirunal Hospital as the resident expert. In response, Vijayan labeled the minister's explanation as shocking and cruel, while condemning his handling of the situation as deeply irresponsible.
Vijayan argued that this incident reflects a broader collapse of Keralam's health sector over the past five months and accused the current administration of gambling with the lives of minors. He further stated that the government pushed forward despite strong opposition and concerns raised by the patient advocacy group Cure SMA, adding that his own letter to the administration regarding the matter went unanswered with no subsequent action taken.