Stem Cells: China's 101st Latest Warning

China has banned the unlicensed use of stem cells in the treatment of patients and clinical research in this direction

According to Reuters, the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China has also stopped accepting new applications for the implementation of stem cell programs. The agency also reported that from now on medical institutions do not have the right to charge money for the introduction of stem cells.

The ban on the use of stem cells is due to Beijing's intention to take control of this medical field, which is gaining popularity throughout the country. The ban will last until July, when China will begin implementing an official one-year program to develop this area, Xinhua news agency reports.

Stem cell treatment has a weak scientific base; nevertheless, in recent years, an increasing number of hospitals and specialized clinics in major cities of China have been offering this procedure for the treatment of a variety of diseases, ranging from cancer and Alzheimer's disease to spinal cord injuries. According to Reuters, one of the hospitals offering stem cell treatment belongs to the Chinese army. At best, such treatment is considered experimental.

According to the agency, in some hospitals, patients paid thousands, and sometimes tens of thousands of dollars for treatment advertised on the Internet. According to patients, doctors and relatives of patients, no significant progress was achieved as a result of stem cell treatment, some patients died.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the BFM10.01.2012