The IEC will review and approve all types of research proposals on human subjects received from Indian Medical Association (its states/local branches, wings, affiliated bodies) involving human participants with a view to safeguard the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of all actual and potential research participants. The goals of research, however important, would never be permitted to override the health and well-being of the research subjects.

The IEC will take care that all the cardinal principles of research ethics viz. Autonomy, Beneficence, Non - malfeasance, Confidentiality and Justice are taken care of in planning, conduct and reporting of the proposed research. For this purpose, it will look into the aspects of informed consent process, risk benefit ratio, distribution of burden and benefit and provisions for appropriate compensations (as per law) wherever required. It will review the proposals before start of the study as well as monitor the research throughout the study until and after completion of the study through appropriate well documented procedures, for example, annual reports, final reports and site visits. The committee will also examine compliance with all regulatory requirements, applicable guidelines and laws.

Independent Ethics Committee has the right to discuss and review the study protocol from only IMA members or IMA affiliated medical establishments. The decision of the IEC will be final and binding.