Use of Nanomedicine and the Ethico-Legal Challenges for the Indian Healthcare System

Abstract

Nanotechnology has made a tremendous impact across a wide range of scientific fields. In recent years, the application of nanotechnology has significantly expanded, with one of its most notable applications being in the field of medicine, known as nanomedicine. The use of nanomedicine has made a revolutionary change in the diagnostics and treatment of major diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular problems. But, like any other technological advancement, the field of nanomedicine also confronts various ethical dilemmas concerning safety and toxicity. This paper addresses the ethical concerns in the application of nanomedicine. However, the major challenge regarding nanomedicine is in terms of its governance, because of its rapid advancement and multidisciplinary nature.  In India, there is a lack of specific legislation governing nanomedicine. Consequently, due to its therapeutic nature, the existing legislation concerning pharmaceuticals regulates the aspects of nanomedicine. This paper aims to explore the diverse applications of nanotechnology in the healthcare sector and critically evaluate the efficiency and adequacy of existing legislation in regulating this innovative field.