Keynote Message of Secretary Enrique T. Ona

Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine

1st National Convention The Truth and Fallacies about Stem Cell Therapy

January 16, 2013, Pandanggo Hall, Manila Hotel

The establishment of the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine composed of physicians with interest in stem cell therapy is opportune, with the increasing demand for the use of stem cells as therapy in oncology, end organ diseases and regenerative medicine, here now in the Philippines and worldwide. I congratulate the founding members, led by Dr. Jose Sabili, your Chairman and Dr Rey Melchor Santos, your President for recognizing the need to organize and professionalize the practice of stem cell therapy in this country.

This two-day national convention, with the theme The Truth and Fallacies about Stem Cell Therapy is very timely as we in the Department of Health and the medical profession try to clear the air of misinformation and half-truths regarding this popular mode of treatment. We owe it to our patients and the general public to ensure that proper information and guidance regarding this novel medical approach is available. To protect themselves and their loved ones, the public must know the most current and accurate information about stem cells and its various applications, including some of which are purely experimental. We must ensure that only safe and ethical uses of stem cells are being used in the Philippines.

Today, we see the proliferation of centers offering stem cell treatments for medical and aesthetic purposes. Some stem cell programs here have expert personnel and clinical facilities and advanced laboratory equipment and technologies, reputed to be more advanced than other institutions abroad. We are concerned, however, that other facilities might not have the minimum capabilities especially trained personnel staff and equipment needed to perform stem cell therapies safely and effectively.

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Keynote Message of Secretary Enrique T. Ona: Stem Cell Medicine 1st National Convention