The Goa government on August 6 sought details of funding of clinical trials conducted at the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here, following media reports that the trials were illegal.

GMCH Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar issued an order directing his predecessor Dr Pradip Naik and three GMCH lecturers to submit details by 5 pm on August 8. Clinical trials are conducted to check efficacy of new medicines and treatments. A report in a local daily has alleged that clinical trials were being conducted illegally at the GMCH in the past.

It also named the lecturers who were allegedly involved. Bandekar asked Dr Naik and others to furnish details of financial deals related to research projects, clinical trials, or conferences or training programs at GMCH, as well as details of NGOs run or managed by them. "You are...directed to submit forthwith the names of each of the funding agencies, companies for each of your research projects, clinical trials or any project and conferences, training, if any," the order said.