By Tina G. Santos Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, PhilippinesStem cell therapy at spa centers and salons? Watch out, government agents are coming.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona says no clinic or hospital in the Philippines can offer stem cell therapy without accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH).

Speaking to reporters last week, Ona noted that while many centers are advertising stem cell therapy treatment, none of them have the approval of the health department.

As of now we have not accredited any clinic or even hospital offering stem cell therapy yet, Ona said.

Admitting that the DOH doesnt have the police power to close down erring health centers, Ona said the department would coordinate with other governmental agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local governments to prevent spas and salons from offering stem cell treatment.

We will issue a warning for them to stop [doing stem cell therapy]. But if they continue despite warnings from us, thats when we will move to close them down, Ona said.

Stem cell therapy and treatment, which are becoming popular here and abroad, are medical procedures that deal with ailments by replacing malignant cells with healthy cells.

Only medical doctors with the right training can perform stem cell treatment.

Cosmetic purposes

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Spas, salons warned on stem cell therapy