These days, a term that is being heard frequently in the medical world is “stem cell therapy.” Many private clinics and hospitals promote it as a magical cure. Especially when it comes to children with autism spectrum disorder, anxious parents are willing to spend lakhs of rupees on any hope. But if you too are considering such treatment for a relative or child, wait a moment. The Central Government’s Health Ministry and the National Medical Commission (NMC) have issued a very strict advisory on this issue.
The government has clearly stated that stem cells are not a magic potion that can be sold for every disease.
Let’s understand what the government’s new guidelines say and what the average family needs to be aware of.
According to the government’s new order, stem cell therapy for autism cannot be administered as a routine or standard treatment under any circumstances.
In the case of autism, it can only be used as part of an approved clinical trial (research), and that too under strict supervision.
No hospital or doctor can sell it as a commercial service.
If any clinic claims to completely cure autism through stem cell therapy, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support such claims, and the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Health have issued a strict warning against such advertising.
This new rule is strictly enforced based on the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research 2017 and recent Supreme Court decisions.
The Ministry of Health has clarified that stem cell therapy can be used as a routine treatment only for a select number of diseases that have been officially approved by the government.
Only approved methods like bone marrow transplant are valid for certain serious blood-related diseases (such as leukemia or thalassemia).
The government has clarified that stem cell therapy can only be considered a standard treatment for approved indications. Its use for other diseases must comply with established scientific and regulatory standards.
Experiencing such treatments on patients without scientific evidence puts their lives at risk.
The Ministry has written to all states and union territories, urging them to strictly enforce these rules. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has also issued a stern warning to doctors.
If a doctor prescribes or treats stem cells for an unapproved disease, it will be considered professional misconduct.
Clinics that engage in false publicity, display large posters, or display false advertisements will face direct legal action.
In cases of violation of these rules, action can be taken under the relevant regulatory and legal provisions.
The NMC has asked state medical councils and medical institutions to ensure proper investigation and necessary action on complaints.
When a child is suffering from autism, the entire family is mentally distressed, and some irresponsible institutions exploit this vulnerability. The public should be especially careful about the following:
Stay away from miraculous claims: Medical science has yet to provide any solid evidence that stem cells can completely cure autism.
Don’t pay extortion money in the name of research: If a doctor claims to be conducting a trial, they cannot extort lakhs of rupees from patients in the name of the trial.
Seek the advice of an authorized doctor: Before embarking on any new or expensive treatment, seek a second opinion from a government medical college or a leading neurologist.
This advisory was issued with the public’s hard-earned money and the safety of patients in mind. It was crucial to put a stop to this expensive and unproven business operating in the name of hope. If someone around you is making such a false claim, then immediately become alert and do not fall into such a trap without thinking.