PRC warns of fake stem cell experts

MANILA, Philippines - The government is worried over reports that many doctors are buying credentials to be able to perform stem cell therapy.

Chairman Teresita Manzala of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said Friday the government is wary of the growing number of doctors misrepresenting themselves as experts in stem cell therapy.

“We are concerned about reports that many doctors get the term fellow of Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine appended to their names by only having to bring 10 patients for treatment, buy the machine, and pay a certain amount to get their fellowship,” she said.

Manzala said doctors must avoid adopting an “innovative procedure” mainly on the basis of commercial promotions and marketing, when the value or benefit of the procedure has not been proven.

“Objectivity and integrity should always be maintained. This is what professionalism and ethics in the practice of medicine dictate,” she said.

Manzala asked the public to report to the PRC a doctor misrepresenting himself or herself as a stem cell therapy expert.

To be classified as a fellow of a certain medical field, a doctor must complete a special training program that usually takes more than a year.

The Department of Health (DOH) has come out with guidelines to regulate the practice of stem cell therapy. Under the guidelines, only experts in stem cell therapy shall perform the highly expensive medical procedure.

The PRC is investigating reports that two stem cell therapy associations have been operating without the required endorsement from the PRC and the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine (PRBOM).

The Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine Inc. (PSSCM) and the Philippine Stem Cell Society have falsified, if not failed to submit, documentary requirements of the commission and the PRBOM, the PRC said.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said failure to get the approval of the regulatory bodies means that the associations have failed to pass scrutiny and monitoring procedures.

The two associations are now facing investigation, the PRC said.