Reader Charles Wang wrote to ask if stem cell therapy - the use of stem cells to treat various medical conditions - is approved in Singapore. Mr Wang also asked where one could seek this treatment if it is available. Health reporter Linette Lai answered.

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

A Ministry of Health 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 it 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 would have to be conducted within the context of clinical trials."

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Is stem cell therapy approved in Singapore? - The Straits Times