Published on: January 6, 2025
The Department of Clinical Research, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), in collaboration with the ICMR Bioethics Unit, Bengaluru, organized a two-day “Training Workshop on Bioethics” on January 6–7, 2025. Sponsored by the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), this workshop formed part of a five-week training initiative to enhance ethical standards in clinical research across Uttarakhand. The event witnessed the participation of 122 delegates, including faculty members and Ethics Committee representatives from reputed medical institutions such as AIIMS Rishikesh, Doon Medical College, Graphic Era Medical College, Government Medical College Haridwar, and HIMS.
The inaugural session was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Dr. Kiran Katoch (NJILOMD, ICMR) as Chief Guest; Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SRHU; Dr. Vijendra Devisingh Chauhan, Director General (Academic & Development), SRHU; Dr. Ashok Kumar Deorari, Principal, HIMS; Dr. Bindu Dey, Director of Research, SRHU; Dr. Roli Mathur, Head, ICMR Bioethics Unit; and Dr. Nikku Yadav, Head, Department of Clinical Research, HIMS and Organizing Secretary. Their presence underscored the significance of ethical capacity-building in clinical research and healthcare delivery.
The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including fundamental principles of bioethics, roles and responsibilities of Ethics Committees, application of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and strategies to resolve ethical dilemmas. Expert-led lectures, interactive discussions, and practical exercises provided participants with a well-rounded understanding of research ethics and regulatory compliance. The workshop emphasized the importance of human rights, informed consent, participant safety, and scientific integrity in biomedical research.
This program marked a critical step toward promoting ethical consciousness and a culture of responsibility among researchers and oversight bodies in the region. It also served as a collaborative platform for knowledge sharing and strengthening ethical review mechanisms in Uttarakhand. The Training Workshop on Bioethics thus made a significant contribution to aligning local clinical research practices with national and international ethical standards.
