MANILA, Philippines --- House leaders said yesterday there is no need to pass a measure that would regulate the practice of stem cell and cell-based therapy in the country, citing that the Department of Health (DOH) and the local government units (LGUs) are working hand-in-hand to keep an eye on public health safety.
Assistant Majority Leader and Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna expressed confidence that the DOH could handle the situation after the health agency is readying to launch a crackdown on spas and salons offering the therapy.
"I believe that the DOH and the local government units are competent and have sufficient authority to curb down the illegal medical practice," Tugna said.
Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones, vice chairperson of the committee on science and technology, expressed concern that it would only be a bane for the medical industry to have the stem cell treatments regulated.
"Legislating regulations for stem cell treatments would hinder innovation in the practice of medicine," he said.
Just like Tugna, Palmones expressed strong belief that "DOH has enough powers to regulate it."
Under its new guidelines, the DOH shall order the closure of salons and spas offering stem-cell therapy. The healthcare facilities need to get DoH accreditation before it continues to practice stem cell therapy
Speaker Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr. raised the possibility that the 16th Congress could pass a law that would regulate the practice of stem cell and cell-based therapy in the country.
"The DoH can regulate it. If a law is needed, we can enact one," Belmonte said. Belmonte's avowal was supported by his colleagues-both party-list and district representatives.
You Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP) party-list Rep. Carol Jayne Lopez threw her support to the proposal, saying that penalties should be served against the violators. "I think Congress should enact a law that will regulate matters or issues relating to stem cell therapy, especially as it should carry penal clauses," she said.
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House: No ‘ stem cell’ legislation