Press Release August 19, 2013

PROBE STEM CELL PRACTICE -- KOKO

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, PDP Laban President, has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the conduct of stem cell procedures in the Philippines, with the view of having the practice regulated to ensure the protection of the health and welfare of our people.

Pimentel filed the resolution amidst growing concerns over the reported proliferation of stem cell procedures being conducted in the country.

Worse, Pimentel noted, stem cell procedures are reported to be performed by unaccredited foreign doctors in five-star hotels.

Pimentel warned these uncontrolled practices are not only posing serious safety issues to unknowing clients, but also claiming the lives of our people.

He emphasized, it is the duty of Congress to protect and uphold the right to health, and especially the right to life of our people.

He cited the state policy, as declared in Article 2, Section 15 of the Constitution, to protect and promote the right to health of the people.

Stem Cell Therapy (the "Procedure") is a type of intervention strategy that introduces adult stem cells into damaged tissues to be able to treat a disease or injury.

The Procedure has been proven beneficial in some medical conditions such as cancers of the blood and bone marrow, but is considered highly experimental in the treatment of other diseases, Pimentel noted in his resolution.

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Probe stem cell practice -- Koko