The ministry of health and family welfare’s interim report to inquire into irregularities in implementing the PATH-ICMR study using the human papillomavirus (HPV) in India has recommended the project be allowed to continue.
This controversial project, which allegedly led to the deaths of seven tribal girls (five in Andhra Pradesh and two in Gujarat), had created a tremendous controversy, especially since activists claimed these minor girls and their families were not provided complete details about the research project.
The report claimed the deaths were most probably “unrelated to the administration of this vaccine”, especially since there was no uniform pattern of illness preceding the deaths. Most importantly, the report recommended that the third and final phase of the project be allowed to continue as this would provide a pool of useful information, especially since no further vaccinations were required.
All further studies using this HPV vaccine in other states should, however, be stopped and resumed only after conducting a more detailed review, the report stated.
A three-member team did, however, take the Andhra Pradesh state government health authorities to task for having permitted hostel wardens and head masters to sign consent forms on behalf of minor girls belonging to tribal communities.