askST: Is stem cell therapy available in Singapore? – The Straits Times

Reader Charles Wang wrote in to ask if stem cell therapy is approved for use in Singapore. Stem cell therapy refers to the use of stem cells to treat various medical conditions. Mr Wang also asked if it is available, and where one can seek this treatment.

Health reporter Linette Lai answered.

Any new treatment must be backed by sufficient scientific evidence to ensure that it is safe and effective. However, there is not enough scientific evidence yet for stem cell therapy to be approved as a mainstream treatment in Singapore.

There is not enough scientific evidence yet to ensure that stem cell therapy is safe and effective for it to be approved as a mainstream treatment in Singapore. PHOTO: ST FILE

A Health Ministry spokesman said: "To date, stem cell therapy has not been substantiated by sufficient clinical evidence as a form of mainstream treatment for any diseases or ailments and is not available as a treatment in our public hospitals.

"If any registered medical practitioners or institutions want to administer stem cells as a form of medical treatment, it will have to be conducted within the context of clinical trials."

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askST: Is stem cell therapy available in Singapore? - The Straits Times