Solon calls for probe into stem cell therapy

by Buena Bernal Posted on 08/15/2013 7:59 PM |Updated 08/16/2013 12:05 AM

PROBE STEM CELL THERAPY. Rep Paulino 'Doy' Leachon files a resolution to probe the conduct of stem cell therapy in the Philippines. Photo grabbed from islandsentinel.com

MANILA, Philippines - Rep Paulino Salvador "Doy" Leachon of Oriental Mindoro's 1st district filed on Thusday, August 15, a house resolution calling for a congressional inquiry in aid of legislation on the conduct of stem cell therapy in the country.

House Resolution 215 was filed a day after Leachon's scheduled privilege speech, calling for the resignation of Health Secretary Enrique Ona over the cabinet official's stand on stem cell therapy.

READ: Leachon asks Ona to resign over stem cell issue

The 40-year-old lawmaker also urged concerned government agencies to step up their regulatory oversight. These agencies include the Department of Health (DOH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

First attempt to regulate

Government regulation of stem cell treatment is still in its infancy stage, with the guidelines for accreditation of facilities released only in March.

It is DOH's first attempt at regulating the practice, despite the therapy having been administered by Filipino physicians for years now.

The types of stem cell treatment that are allowed, prohibited, and restricted (i.e. allowed but with limitations) in the facilities to be accredited by August 31 are listed in the released guidelines.

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Solon calls for probe into stem cell therapy