India needs a focussed guideline on stem cell research which at the moment seems to be in complete chaos, pointed out leading scientists working on various stem Cell programmes.
A national seminar on ‘Biomedical ethical and legal aspects of human stem cell research’ was organised by the Academy Biomedical Science Forum and Bangalore-based Hope Infertility Clinic Research Foundation (HICRF) yesterday here. The scientists, clinicians and noted academicians pointed out that leading scientists who congregated in Bangalore called for adherence to ethical and legal concerns in administering stem cell.
The symposium called for setting up a national regulatory body which could ensure that the guidelines are strictly followed. It also outlined the conditions to be followed to obtain informed patient consent and ensure patient health safety. In addition to the diseases and health disorders which were treated successfully, stem cell therapy and good lab practices were also discussed.
“The therapy of stem cell is not longer futuristic,” stated Dr. TC Anand Kumar, head, Hope Infertility Clinic. The medical research scientists should allocate opportunities astutely so that the next generation benefits from the findings, he added.
According to Prof. PB Sheshagiri, scientist, department of Molecular Reproduction and Development Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, enrichment of cells and its clarity on a long-term basis have been ensured prior to its clinical applications.
Stating that there are only 14 cases where a child’s blood was used, among the total 6,000 stem cell transplants since 1988, informed a, scientist.
Among the notable speakers present included Dr. PM Bhargava, (Anvesha), Dr. V Muthuswamy, Indian Council of Medical Research) Dr. Aparna Khanna, Reliance Life Sciences), Dr. KR Suresh head JIVAS, Dr. Rajvi Mehta, HICRF.