House panel trains sights on unregulated stem-cell therapy in PH

By: InterAksyon.com August 9, 2013 10:02 AM

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - The controversy over unregulated stem cell procedures in the country, including the role of unlicensed foreign doctors, has reached Congress, from where several alleged victims of malpractice came. The vice chairman of the House blue-ribbon panel is set to deliver a privileged speech Monday ahead of hearings on the current state of things in the stem cell therapy practice in the country, where experts warned earlier the "fad-like" atmosphere poses serious threat to public health and safety.

Rep. Doy Leachon of Oriental Mindoro is expected to train his sights on, among others: the unethical practice of stem cell therapy without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and on unapproved indications; the charging of exorbitant fees for still-experimental procedures; the criminal liabilities of doctors who prey on the miseries of desperate sick patients; a review of the potential conflict of interest, unethical conduct of self-promotion and violation of FDA rules in pushing stem cell therapy and charging of fees involving the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM).

Leachon wants the academe, ethics experts and the Philippine College of Physicians to shed light on the multidimensional controversy.

The House inquiry may also focus on the deaths of two congressmen who allegedly died after undergoing stem cell therapy; and the case of Dangerous Drugs Board chairman Antonio Villar, who developed adverse reactions.

Expected to be summoned to the House hearings, besides representatives of the PMA and PSSCM are officials of the FDA, Department of Health, PRC, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Internal Revenue and other stakeholders.

Earlier this week, the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) served notice it would require special permits from foreign doctors who conduct stem cell procedures in the country. It warned that those failing to do so, as well as their local partners, face criminals charges for medical malpractice.

For his part, Leachon--saying a class suit is possible against doctors in cases where the stem cell therapy was found to have caused deaths and adverse reactions--encouraged patients victimized by "unscrupulous con artists and who developed side effects" to report to his office.

Leachon, a lawyer, was a TOYM awardee in public service in 2011.

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House panel trains sights on unregulated stem-cell therapy in PH