Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) - The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has drug tests on children and adolescents examined up to 1980. Such incidents in child and youth welfare facilities, disability assistance and psychiatry from 1946 to 1980 are to be investigated, as the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs announced on Saturday evening. A study was commissioned for this purpose.
It is intended to reveal the background and the extent of the drug tests in NRW homes. The use of drugs to discipline or immobilize children and young people should also be clarified. For example, the researchers want to research the archives of institutions and drug companies. Interviews with contemporary witnesses are also planned.
A team of researchers from various universities led by Professor Heiner Fangerau from the Institute for the History, Theory and Ethics of Medicine at the University of Düsseldorf is to examine the complex. The state finances the study with 430,000 euros. Results are expected in about two years, it said.
"It's good if we can use the historical analysis to contribute to the processing and recognition of the possible misuse of medicines experienced by children," said Fangerau.
Health and Social Affairs Minister Karl-Josef Laumann (CDU) said that this dark chapter in NRW history must be clarified. "The investigation should bring to light what happened at the time and clearly name those responsible. We owe that to those affected," emphasized Laumann. "It's good that such renowned scientists are conducting the study. The research results available so far and testimonials from victims at the time prove in many cases that children and young people were improperly and abusively administered medication."
