Takshashila Issue Paper - Biobanking Policies in India

Advanced Biology
Written By

By Sunila Dixit1, Priyal Lyncia D'Almeida1, Manjulika Vaz2 and Shambhavi Naik1

1Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru

2Health & Humanities, St John's Research Institute, St John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru

Executive Summary

Biobanks are set to become the norm as large scale datasets appear likely to drive the future of life science and healthcare research. However, there are concerns around ethics and consent processes that need to be addressed. In India, there is no specific law to address these concerns. In their absence, vulnerable sections of the society may be left open to abuse. This paper does a literature survey of biobanking policies and concerns of consent and privacy in the context of India. This paper lays the foundation for a discussion around biobanking policies and the formation of an India-specific biobanking law.

Authors

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Shambhavi Naik
Shambhavi Naik

Shambhavi Naik is the Head of Research at Takshashila and is the chairperson of the Advanced Biology programme. She has a PhD in Cancer Biology. Shambhavi’s research covers India’s policies in areas of emerging technologies, with a focus on healthcare and higher education.

Priyal Lyncia D’Almeida
Priyal Lyncia D’Almeida

Priyal was a Research Analyst at Takshashila working under the Advanced Biology programme. Her interests lie at the intersection of International Relations and Life Sciences.

Sunila Dixit
Sunila Dixit

Sunila Dixit was a Research Analyst working on Public Health issues at the Takshashila Institution. Her research included different topics related to public health, life sciences technologies and climate resilience.

Manjulika Vaz
Manjulika Vaz

Dr. Manjulika Vaz is a Senior Resident at the St. John’s Research Institute. She has a PhD in Allied Health Sciences focusing on the Ethics and Public Perceptions of Biobanking Research. Her research interests range from promoting the humanities in medical education to gender rights and inclusiveness.

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