The Hindu : `Vaccine production'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 28, 2002

National

National

`Vaccine production'

With reference to the news item "Vaccine production" that appeared in these columns on December 27, the Director of the BCG Vaccine Laboratory, Chennai, N. Elangeswaran, writes:

"The CPCSEA had advised the BCG Vaccine Laboratory to suspend all animal experiments. Since suspension of the animal experiments would lead to far-reaching consequences and in view of the fact that the findings of the CPCSEA were based on "patent and false statements", the laboratory filed a writ petition (W.P. No 3189/2002). Moreover, the laboratory also had valid reasons to suspect the motive of the CPCSEA. The Madras High Court granted a stay of the communication of the Association. Orders have been reserved in the case.

"The Laboratory has questioned the very basis of the findings of the CPCSEA. Therefore, at this juncture, the Association's statement that the BCG Vaccine Laboratory approached the High Court "instead of setting their house in order" is unfortunate, mischievous and misleading. Moreover, the Inspector of CPCSEA has mentioned in his inspection report that the Animal House of the Laboratory was in order. Hence, the Laboratory had approached the High Court, only because the CPCSEA did not make out a prima facie case to stop the animal experiments."

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