Point out the ethical dilemmas in clinical trials conducted in developing countries like India.

The increasing incidence of deaths during clinical trials in India raises ethical concerns. These trials often involve vulnerable populations, leading to questions about informed consent and exploitation. The ethical issues can be summarised as follows:

1. Informed Consent: Participants, particularly from marginalised communities, may not fully comprehend the consent forms due to language barriers or lack of literacy. This raises doubts about whether consent is truly informed.
2. Exploitation of Vulnerable Groups: Clinical trials frequently target economically disadvantaged individuals who may feel coerced into participation due to financial incentives or lack of alternative healthcare options.
3. Transparency and Accountability: There is often a lack of transparency in the trial processes, leading to procedural irregularities that undermine public trust.

Despite these ethical concerns, governments continue to allow clinical trials for several reasons:

• Local Health Needs: Trials can lead to the development of medicines tailored to diseases prevalent in the local population, addressing health challenges.
• Scientific Advancement: They provide local scientists with exposure to global research practices, encouraging innovation and enhancing scientific capabilities.
• Access to New Treatments: Patients with limited treatment options may benefit from participating in trials for new medications that could potentially save their lives.

However, the regulatory framework governing these trials is often inadequate, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul to ensure ethical compliance. For instance, stricter enforcement of informed consent protocols and enhanced monitoring of trials could mitigate exploitation risks. Thus, while clinical trials in India have the potential to yield benefits, ethical considerations must be prioritised to protect vulnerable populations and maintain the integrity of the research process.