Days after participating in vaccine trial, man dies in Bhopal

A 42-year-old volunteer from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh died nearly ten days after he participated in clinical trial for Covaxin held at a private hospital, its vice-chancellor said on Saturday while a government official suspected poisoning but added that exact cause of death will be kwn after viscera test.

Dr Rajesh Kapur, Vice Chancellor, People's Medical College and Hospital where trial was conducted, told PTI that Deepak Marawi had participated in Covaxin trial held on December 12, 2020.

Madhya Pradesh Medico Legal Institute Director Dr Ashok Sharma said doctor who had performed postmortem of deceased suspects that he died of poisoning.

However, exact cause of death would be kwn from his viscera test, he added.

"After Marawi's death on December 21, we informed Drug Controller General of India and Bharat Biotech, which is producer and sponsor of trial," Dr Kapur said.

He said Marawi had volunteered for trial and was examined.

"All protocols were followed and Marawi's consent was taken before allowing him to participate in trial," he claimed.

Dr Kapur, however, said he cant confirm wher Marawi was administered vaccine shot or was given a placebo.

"It ( vial containing liquid for trial) comescovered and coded. During trial, 50 per cent people get actual injection while rest are given saline," he said.

Kapur said Marawi was kept under observation for 30 minutes after trial as per guidelines before he was allowed to go.

"We monitored his health for 7 to 8 days," he claimed.

Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Dr Prabhuram Choudhary did t respond to phone calls.

Meanwhile, family members of Marawi, a tribal, said he was working as a labourer.

y claimed that Marawi and his colleague were administered Covaxin injection on December 12 during trial.

"When he returned home he felt uneasy and experienced some health problems. He complained of a shoulder pain on December 17. Two days later, he spewed foam. He refused to see a doctor saying he would be alright in a day or two. When his condition deteriorated, he was being rushed to hospital but he died midway (on December 21)," y added.

Rachana Dhingra, a Bhopal-based social activist, claimed neir Marawi's consent was taken for participation in clinical trial r he was given any proof of his participation in exercise.

However, hospital has denied this charge.

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had last week approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by Serum Institute, and indigeusly developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in country, paving way for a massive iculation drive.