Bhopal gas tragedy victims were used as guinea pigs for COVID vaccine trials
Print edition : February 12, 2021
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Outside a designated centre for vaccine trials in Bhopal on January 8. The Phase 3 trial for Covaxin is going on. The lack of efficacy data has led to a trust deficit among the public. Photo: GAGAN NAYAR/AFP
Bhopal gas tragedy victims were used as guinea pigs for COVID vaccine trials in total violation of ethical and medical norms.
In early December last year, as the world battled the novel coronavirus, a van arrived at Garib Nagar, a slum in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, loudspeakers attached to it blaring an announcement: Come and get vaccinated for COVID. And get Rs.750 in exchange. For the survivors of the Union Carbide gas leak of 1984 who lived there, some of who could not even afford a rickshaw ride to the hospital, it seemed like an amazing offer. For 57-year-old Mohan Sahu, whose daily income from selling peanuts on a handcart is Rs.250, it was an opportuni