A healthcare facility might be fined for allegedly providing illegal cell therapy, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said yesterday after its Department of Medical Affairs inspected two facilities.
Department senior specialist Lee Chung-yueh (李中月) said that most tips it receives about suspected illegal cell therapy services accuse facilities of false advertising or providing unauthorized treatments.
The two most recent reports were for suspected unauthorized treatments, Lee said.
One facility was found to have contravened the Medical Act (醫療法) and the Regulations Governing the Application of Specific Medical Examination Techniques and Medical Devices (特定醫療技術檢查檢驗醫療儀器施行或使用管理辦法), the department said, adding that it faces a fine of up to NT$250,000.
The investigation involving the other facility is ongoing, it said.
The Executive Yuan has approved two draft bills to regulate regenerative medicine and regenerative medicine products, which are awaiting legislative review.
A third reading planned for yesterday was postponed due to issues raised by opposition parties, experts and civic groups.
The ministry has set up a Web site for people to learn more about cell therapy, and find programs and facilities with authorized treatments at https://celltherapy.mohw.gov.tw, the department said.
As of last month, there were 232 authorized cell therapy programs at 59 healthcare facilities, it said.
Additional reporting by CNA
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