The deaths of 741 kidney patients in Gujarat’s government hospitals have come under a cloud of suspicion, with allegations pointing to unauthorized drug trials. The state government is now preparing to launch an investigation into these deaths, which occurred between 1999 and 2017.

The scandal came to light after reports emerged that doctors at a government-run hospital in Ahmedabad were conducting unapproved drug trials for financial gain. Following this revelation, suspicions arose regarding the deaths of hundreds of kidney patients who were subjected to these experiments.

Reports indicate that out of 2,352 patients who underwent stem cell therapy trials at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) in Ahmedabad, 741 have died. The hospital, owned by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, reportedly carried out these stem cell therapy trials without the necessary approvals.

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation recently directed the State Health Department’s Additional Director to provide details of the actions taken regarding the unauthorized stem cell experiments. The Congress party has also demanded strict action, citing findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that reveal therapy failure in 91% of cases.

Among the victims, kidney transplants failed in 569 individuals. Meanwhile, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) recently barred V.S. Hospital—also owned by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation—from conducting further clinical trials. An investigation revealed that between 2021 and 2025, around 500 patients were subjected to unapproved drug trials involving products from nearly 50 pharmaceutical companies, all without clearance from an authorized ethics committee.

The shocking revelations have triggered public outrage and political pressure, as the government prepares for a full-fledged investigation into the medical misconduct and the role of the institutions involved.