Stem cell therapy is a revolutionary and innovative medical treatment that employs using stem cells to repair the body’s damaged cells, tissues and organs. This treatment offers a cure to the incurable diseases and injuries as after these ailments body’s own natural healing mechanisms are insufficient for providing healing services. Stem cells have the ability to multiply, make copies of them and differentiate into different types of cells. This characteristic makes them unique as they can restore and reinstate the damaged organs and tissues holding curative powers for the untreatable diseases.
A stem cell therapy typically consists of injecting or implanting stem cells that are harvested from a person’s own body or a donor source in the damaged area. These transplanted stem cells then miraculously begin to heal repairing and regenerating the damage caused in the respective tissues improving the functionality of the organs. Research proves that stem cell therapy has been able to cure a wide array of conditions such as autism, arthritis ,infertility, liver cirrhosis, kidney diseases, lung disorders, COPD management, developmental delay, neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular diseases, spinal cord injuries, bone and cartilage damage, diabetes, even autoimmune conditions and many others.
Global context of stem cell research and therapy
Stem cell therapy has made noteworthy advancements globally in recent years. There are many research centers and health care facilities in the USA, Asia and Europe that have been employing the regenerative power of stem cell treatments to cure a number of devastating health conditions. Clinical trials are being conducted worldwide proving the potency and safety of stem cell therapies which have demonstrated promising and positive outcomes treating ailments which were historically considered untreatable.
In the academic front stem cell research has become a mandatory part of biomedical sciences, in which researchers explore modern innovative ways to improve the methodology and process of stem cell extraction, differentiation, and transplantation. Additionally, gene editing technologies are now being incorporated with stem cells to rectify genetic deficiencies maximizing the efficacy of the stem cell therapies. There are respective regulatory bodies in each country that overlook the ethical concerns surrounding stem cell treatments. This regulatory landscape formulates guidelines for all health care providers and researchers to follow in order to make sure that the stem cell therapies are useful as well as safe for patients.
Stem cell therapy in Pakistan: Setting the Stage
Pakistan is a country with huge potential but limited resources. While we have witnessed stem cell therapy and research excel across the globe this country has yet to see stem cell treatments being inculcated into stem cell based treatments in mainstream health care. Nonetheless, over the past ten years it has been evident that stem cell research and development is gaining popularity in the region. Stem cell therapy in Pakistan is initiating to modernize the medical industry as academic institutions, healthcare providers and specialized treatment centers all have increased their investments in this specific medical research field.
Stem Cell therapy in Lahore Pakistan along with other notable cities has shown promising results to treat a number of incurable diseases. These ailments include:
- Autism
- Arthritis
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Male and female infertility
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Erectile dysfunction
As we note the growth in the ratio of public awareness and comprehending the positive influence of stem cell therapy in Pakistan, its application will vastly increase. This will be further strengthened as the stem cell treatment providers align with the international practices followed in the industry. For example, promoting global collaborations that are encouraging stem cell research in the biomedical departments at various universities and medical centers.
The State of Stem Cell Therapy in Pakistan
Currently in Pakistan various clinical trials and research projects are ongoing. Additionally, various health care centers are providing stem cell therapy in Lahore Pakistan and other major cities like Karachi and Islamabad. The major focus is applying stem cell research in regenerative medicine and tissue repair along with disease modeling. It can be argued that regenerative medicine in Pakistan in specific stem cell therapy is still a newfound treatment in the country nonetheless with the collaboration between the academic and clinical sections have leveled it up.
Key Players in Stem Cell Therapy and Research in Pakistan
There are several research centers, universities, medical institutions and health care providers that are working towards stem cell research and its clinical application in Pakistan. All these entities are collaboratively making efforts to advance stem cell research in Pakistan with an ultimate goal to provide improved treatments that cure various untreatable medical conditions.
The pioneer of Stem Cell in Pakistan: Prof Dr Mahmood Shaukat
Prof Dr Mahmood Shaukat is a prominent figure in the field of regenerative medicine in Pakistan. He conducted extensive stem cell research and clinical trials treating many patients. Prof Shaukat is particularly known for his stem cell treatments in Pakistan for neurological and degenerative diseases. He set up Pakistan’s first stem cell lab at King Edward Medical University, Lahore which was dedicated for stem cell research. It collaborated with various different national and global organizations to innovate and technologically progress stem cells. Dr Mahmood then founded the next stem cell lab at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore which emphasized upon researching in the field of regenerative medicine with a special focus on stem cell treatments. Currently he is associated with Njinsky Medical Centre as the head of their stem cell department. This centre is providing world class best stem cell treatments in Lahore Pakistan.
Njinsky Medical centre
Njinsky Medical centre is the best stem cell clinic in Pakistan which is providing lifesaving innovative medical treatments. With a multidisciplinary team of experienced doctors, surgeons, PhD scientists and cell biologists all working together towards offering inventive and modern stem cell treatments. Njinsky Medical Centre is the pioneer in the region as it is the only health care facility with a biosafety level 2 lab that is built on WHO standards. The institution holds three ISO certifications and is licensed from the Punjab Healthcare commission making it the market leader in following all ethical guidelines. The scientists and doctors at Njinsky work together in order to stay in the forefront of current research following the international practices of the field and then clinically applying them to the treatments offered to achieve the best results. This has brought Njinsky Medical centre’s stem cell research in Pakistan at a noteworthy position making them the strongest entity that provides stem cell treatment. Prof Dr Mahmood Shaukat, a noteworthy figure in the field of regenerative medicine is the patron and head of the stem cell department at Njinsky Medical Centre. Along with Dr Madeeha Asad a fellowship consultant and stem cell expert in treating patients.
Challenges
There are several challenges faced in the field of stem cell therapy. These problems somewhat provide hindrance and efficient solutions must be derived so that more progress can be made in the field of stem cell research and therapy.
Public Awareness and Education
There is a lack of public awareness when it comes to stem cell treatments in general. This is a new form of treatment for many and as it is not included in mainstream healthcare even some healthcare providers are unaware of it. Likewise people do not know about stem cells and their clinical application. As a result educating the masses and doctors regarding the benefits and risks of stem cell treatment is necessary. Stem cell research should be included in medical institutions and collaborations should be made in order to understand regenerative medicine and the mechanics attached to it. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions attached to stem cell treatments which can only be debunked by providing the right knowledge and education.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Offering stem cell treatments require advanced infrastructure and high end facilities to make sure that the treatments offered are up to the mark. Additionally the team that offers these therapies has to be well trained in the field, the medical centre that provides them is required to have cutting edge technology, modern labs and a high end set up. There has to be a team of doctors, a team of PhD scientists and cell biologists who can efficiently look after the entire stem cell procedure. Furthermore, a fully functional lab is needed with most current up to date international equipment for culturing and storing stem cells. This requires extreme precision, care and huge monetary investments. All this determines the cost of stem cell therapy in Pakistan.
Future of Stem Cell Therapy in Pakistan
Stem Cell treatment in Pakistan has not currently entered mainstream healthcare. However, under the supervision of med tech pioneers such as Prof Dr Mahmood Shaukat Njinsky Medical Centre is revolutionizing the future of regenerative medicine in Pakistan. With the support of the government, collaborations with international stem cell organizations and local health care providers it can surely make stem cell treatments accessible for the general public.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the state of stem cell treatment in Pakistan highlighting the diseases that are currently treated in the region. We shared the key factors about the notable figures and medical centres providing stem cell treatment in Pakistan. Furthermore, challenges and future prospects were delved into. Njinsky Medical Centre and Prof Dr Mahmood Shaukat together are forming a positive future for stem cell treatment in Pakistan.
