Question : RESEARCH PROJECT AT AIIMS

(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item appearing in the Hindustan Times dated June 11, 2002 captioned: `Research work at AIIMS being hampered for want of animals`;

(b) if so, whether any law exists prohibiting the use of animals for conducting experiments for medical research;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether any talks have been held with the authorities with a view to permanent solution to the problem being faced by the scientists in conducting their research work so essential for saving not only the human lives but also of the animals?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)

(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 463 FOR 17.7.2002

Yes, Sir. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 does not prohibit the use of animals for conducting experiments on animals for bio-medical research. On the other hand, Section 14 of the Act specifically provides that `nothing contained in this Act shall tender unlawful the performance of experiments (including experiments involving operations) on animals for the purpose of advancement by new discovery of physiological knowledge or of knowledge which will be useful for saving or for prolonging life or alleviating suffering or for combating any disease, whether of human beings, animals or plants`. However, the rules framed under Section 17 of the Act which are adversely affecting scientific research are as under:

i) Procurement of animals only from breeders.
ii) Not allowing import of animals required for research.
iii) Banning contract research.
iv) Prior permission of CPCSEA needed for all experiments including diagnostic testing activities and the time taken in obtaining the permission.


All the issues relating to role of CPCSEA on medical research and amendments to rules, procedures etc. that may be needed, have been taken up with Committee of Secretaries.