Question : Stem Cell Therapy

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has received complaints against the misuse of stem cell therapy;

(b) if so, the number of complaints received and the action taken thereon, laboratory and medical institute-wise;

(c) whether the Ministry is contemplating to bring in regulation to guide clinical use of stem cells, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the ICMR will be issuing guidelines for storage or banking of stem cells, if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) & (b): Yes. ICMR has received several complaints against the misuse of stem cell therapy from various sources. These are considered in the National Apex Committee for Stem Cell Research (NAC-SCRT) and recommendations are forwarded to concerned authorities for appropriate action.

(c): ICMR is finalising guidelines on clinical use of stem cells.

(d): Yes. ICMR is framing guidelines for storage and banking of stem cells.