Nearly two years after issuing the guidelines for stem cell research regulation prescribing stringent procedures for sourcing and use of stem cells by research institutions in the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will soon embark on 'public consultations' to evolve a consensus on the document among the various stakeholders. After the elaborate consultations, the ICMR, if needed, will make the necessary amendments in the guidelines.

After issuing the guidelines in April 2008, the union health ministry had given an assurance in Parliament about evolving a consensus among the various stakeholders on this important document which is aimed at preventing the exploitation of the gullible people by the unscrupulous elements in commercializing of human embryos for stem cell research.

Assistant director general, ICMR, Dr Geeta Jotwani said that as per the assurance given to Parliament, the ICMR will hold four 'public consultations' at four different regions in the country. The first 'public consultation' will be held in Mumbai on February 20 for the western region. The second 'public consultation' will be held at southern region in Bangalore by the end of February and the third one will be held at eastern region either in Kolkatta or Bubaneshwar by the end of March. The final one for the northern region will be held in Delhi in April. However, the dates are yet to be finalised, Dr Jotwani said.

All the stakeholders like patient groups, clinicians, scientists, NGOs, religious groups, media, social groups, biotech companies, pharma companies, etc will be invited for the 'public consultations' to evolve a consensus on the document, Dr Jotwani added.

The ICMR guidelines on stem cells holds significance as stem cell research raises many ethical, legal, scientific and policy issues that are of concern to the policy makers and public at large. Like any other scientific advances, it also raises several questions about balancing the promises offered by stem cell therapy against its potential harm for appropriate application.

The guidelines for stem cell research and therapy was prepared for adult, cord blood and embryonic stem cells in response to the support provided by the government to facilitate stem cell research in India so as to improve understanding of human health and disease, and evolve strategies to treat serious diseases.

Among several other things, the guidelines struck a severe blow against commercialization of human embryos for stem cell research by stipulating that termination of pregnancy should not be sought with a view to donate fetal tissue in return for possible financial or therapeutic benefits.