by Natashya Gutierrez Posted on 06/28/2013 7:43 PM |Updated 06/28/2013 8:13 PM
SKIN REJUVENATION. One of the alleged benefits of stem cell treatment is skin rejuvenation, which helps make people look younger. Graphic by Teddy Pavon/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines - Malacaang on Friday, June 28, warned Filipinos about seeking stem cell therapy from unaccredited practitioners, a treatment 3 lawmakers received before they died and which is now being investigated as possible cause of their deaths.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the public should take precaution, since it's not the cure-all for illnesses. "The so-called cure all is fake. There is no treatment that will cure all of your ills, Valte told reporters in response to questions about stem cell treatments.
She reiterated the Department of Health's (DOH) reminder to choose DOH-accredited hospitals for the treatment, warning clinics and hospitals that offer it without accreditation. Let me repeat, its the hospital that must be accredited, not the doctor. Not the individual. Those stand-alone clinics, they cannot get accreditation from the DOH. So that is our warning to our fellowmen, Valte said.
According to Valte, hospitals must file for accreditation with the DOH by August 31 to continue offering the treatment.
Earlier this week, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) released a press statement saying it suspects that 3 solons of the 15th Congress may have died because of stem cell treatments from unauthorized doctors in Germany. The PMA said it would investigate the deaths.
The congressmen were not named by PMA, but among those who died recently were Bohol Rep Erico Aumentado, Camiguin Rep Pedro Romualdo and Negros Occidental Rep Ignacio Arroyo.
Don't seek treatment
At least one government official, Dangerous Drugs Board chairman Antonio Villar, has admitted he had stem cell therapy.
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Palace cautions public on stem cell treatment