Published on: July 4, 2025
Promoting Ethical Excellence in Clinical Research through Intensive Training at SRHU
The Department of Clinical Research at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), SRHU, in collaboration with the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), launched a five-week training program titled “Ensuring Integrity in Healthcare & Medical Ethics” on July 4, 2025. As part of this initiative, a two-day workshop on “Good Clinical Practice & Ethics” was conducted from July 4 to 5, 2025, at the B.C. Roy Auditorium, HIMS. A total of 121 participants, including faculty members and research committee representatives from five medical institutions in Uttarakhand, attended the program. The primary objective of the workshop was to build ethical competence among faculty and Research Ethics Committees, thereby strengthening the ethical oversight mechanisms in clinical research across the region.
The workshop was inaugurated in the presence of several eminent dignitaries. Chief Guest Dr. Kiran Katoch from NJILOMD, ICMR, joined the inaugural ceremony along with Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Vice-Chancellor of SRHU; Dr. Vijendra D Chauhan, Director General Academic Development, SRHU; Dr. Pradeep Varshney, Director IQAC, SRHU; and Dr. Yogender Singh, along with other Principals and Departmental Heads of SRHU.
The organizing team was led by Lt. Gen Dr. Daljit Singh, Principal, HIMS, and Dr. Bindu Dey, Director of Research, SRHU, serving as the Organizing Chairpersons. Dr. Nikku Yadav, Head of the Department of Clinical Research, HIMS, was the Organizing Secretary, supported by team members Dr. Ruchi Juyal, Dr. Manisha Sharma, Mr. Abhinav, Ms. Akanksha, Ms. Jagriti, and Ms. Pooja.
The workshop brought together expert speakers from various institutions and organizations across the country. Dr. Vikas Dhiman, Director of Regulatory Affairs, India Subcontinent, GSK Pvt. Ltd and Member, ISCR North Chapter; Dr. Abhishek Tyagi, Senior Director, FSP Hub Lead – India & Philippines, PPD Clinical Research Services (Thermo Fisher Scientific); Dr. Monika Bahl, Founder Director, Shodh Clinicals; and Dr. Puja Nagpal, Consultant, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, led impactful sessions. These sessions were designed to enhance understanding and implementation of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards and ethical principles in clinical research.
Participants were actively engaged through interactive discussions, expert-led presentations, and practical exercises that covered critical areas such as fundamental principles of research ethics, roles and responsibilities of Ethics Committees, implementation of GCP guidelines, and navigating ethical dilemmas in clinical trials. The workshop proved to be a valuable platform for capacity building and fostering inter-institutional collaboration among ethics committees from institutions like Doon Medical College Dehradun, Graphic Era Medical College Dehradun, Government Medical College Haridwar, and the host institute HIMS, SRHU.
The broader five-week training initiative will continue beyond the workshop, with a batch of 30 participants from Gurukul Kangari Haridwar, SGGR Dehradun, and SRHU. This sustained engagement is expected to further enhance institutional capacities and foster a robust culture of ethical research practices throughout the region. By nurturing a community committed to integrity in clinical research, the program is set to make a meaningful impact on healthcare research standards in Uttarakhand.
