New Delhi, Sep 18 : The Union Health Ministry has directed states and Union Territories to take action against unauthorised stem cell therapies, reiterating that such treatments can be provided as routine clinical care only for approved medical conditions.
In an advisory issued on September 16 and reported on September 17, the ministry said stem cell therapy for autism spectrum disorder must be limited to duly approved clinical trials. It stressed that the treatment should not be promoted or offered as routine, standard or commercial care outside the approved framework.
The advisory follows a Supreme Court judgment from January 2026 concerning the use of stem cell therapy for autism. The ministry has asked state and district regulatory authorities to circulate the directions among government and private healthcare establishments involved in stem cell research, treatment and promotion.
The government has also highlighted possible consequences for violations. Medical practitioners may face professional disciplinary action, while clinical establishments could face penalties and, where applicable, cancellation of registration under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act.
The National Medical Commission had also reiterated earlier this month that stem cell treatment can be used as standard clinical care only for approved indications. It directed State Medical Councils to examine alleged violations and take appropriate action following due process.
The latest advisory is part of efforts to ensure that patients are protected from therapies that have not been established or approved for particular conditions. The ministry has asked healthcare providers and regulators to follow the applicable national framework governing stem cell research and treatment.