6 types of stem cell therapy allowed

According to Taiwan News, the Taiwan government has said that various types of cell therapy will soon be allowed in the country. Six types of cell therapy for blood cancers, strokes, and degenerative joints, among other ailments will be available, which will reduce the numbers of Taiwanese travelling abroad for this type of treatment.

The article says that there will be new hope for cancer patients and people with other ailments in Taiwan after the government amended its “Regulations Governing the Application of Specific Medical Examination Techniques and Medical Devices” in September 2018 to permit six types of cell therapy for blood cancers, strokes, and degenerative joints, among other ailments.

The amendment was designed to close the loophole that forced Taiwanese patients to seek cell therapy abroad, sometimes resulting in disputes due to language barriers and a lack of understanding of the therapy being provided.

Shih Chung-liang, head of the Department of Medical Affairs under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said four medical centers in northern, central and southern Taiwan have applied to provide cell therapies, and their applications are currently being reviewed.

Approval could be given as soon as the end of the month, Yuan said in a statement.