Stem Cell Therapy: NeuroGen director in soup for allegedly violating NMC direction
Navi Mumbai: Sparking a controversy over "illegally conducting" and advertising stem cell therapy for autistic children for lakhs of rupee, the Director of NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute, in Seawoods might land in trouble at the BMC-run Sion hospital, where he headed the neurosurgery department.
As per various media accounts, the doctor allegedly violated the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines by providing Stem Cell Therapy (SCT) treatment to more than 12500 patients of autism and cerebral palsy from 75 countries that costed between Rs 5 lakh to 10 Lakh.
Taking action, the civic health department revoked his registration after carrying out a number of inspections between December 26 and February 22, on complaints from patients that false promises were made by the NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute in Seawoods for treatment of Autism, and many parents lost lakhs of rupees on treatment, but the result was not as promised.
Moreover, several irregularities in maintaining files and advertising their services, paved the way for the action against NeuroGen.
NMMC medical officer health Dr Pramod Patil stated, "Our action was taken after detection of violations followed by complaints and after serving notice. More action is likely to follow with regards to misuse of stem cell therapy and professional misconduct."
"The hospital will soon be sealed and face other actions as per law," added civic officials.
On December 06, 2022, the National Medical Commission (NMC) directed that Stem cell therapy is not recommended as a treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in clinical practice. ln view of the above recommendation, the use of Stem cells in ASD, its promotion and advertisement will be considered as professional misconduct. Further research needs to be conducted and encouraged in terms of well-designed Double-blind RCT's to explore the safety and efficacy of Stem Cell Therapy in ASD.
In response to the matter, the director of NeuroGen has decided to approach the Ministry of Health for clarification on using the therapy for the treatment of autistic patients.
“The decision has been taken on the recommendation of the Ethics & Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC),” Dr Sharma told FPJ.
He further claimed that there is a list of practices and procedures of the Ministry of health which says Stem cell therapy can be used in Autism.
Moreover, commenting on the action taken by the NMMC, Dr Sharma told TOI that the action was hasty and "incorrect". He added that there is widespread confusion over the term "stem cell therapy in India and few realise that he offers cell therapy for autism and other neurological conditions.
However, Sion hospital dean Dr Mohan Joshi stated, "Dr Sharma is with our hospital, but medical professionals are allowed to practice elsewhere as per law. The complaints against him will be checked. Appropriate legal action will be taken after the government authorities in their respective areas act."
Sources told TOI that the doctor, who is due to retire from Sion Hospital, could face action soon.
Media report claims that the doctor had also conducted a clinical trial for stem cell therapy in 2016 in Sion hospital and had faced opposition. As per medical experts, stem cell therapy is still a grey zone and its commercial use is prohibited.
