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By JIMENITA SWAIN,Guardian Staff Reporter
The Bahamas has never condoned any experimental medical research rejected by the international community, the Minister of Health said Thursday.
"The ministry has acted over the many years that I have been a practising physician, some 30 years, diligently and very critically in terms of its review of all such proposals and have sent the message far and wide, The Bahamas is not a playground for research that is not approved," Dr. Marcus Bethel said at a press conference.
These statements came as the minister fielded questions from the press, related to the recent suspension of stem cell research at Immuno Augmentative Research (IAT) Bahamas Limited. The Freeport-based laboratory came under media scrutiny recently after media reports that they were conducting embryonic cell research.
"We in the Bahamas have been subject over the many years to researchers wishing to conduct research that is not or has not been approved to be conducted in the United States or Canada," Senator Bethel said.
IAT was established in Freeport during the 1970's to conduct research and treatment for cancer and the proposal, at that the time revolved around methodologies to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.
Work of IAT
Additionally, Dr Bethel said, the Ministry's records suggest that IAT's research centered around several types of disease, particularly cerebral palsy.
"IAT throughout its history has been something that we have had to review," the minister said, adding that the facility was questioned about their methodology of augmenting the immune system for cancer treatment. Despite the directive by the Ministry of Health, the clinic was never visited to verify whether the order was complied with, he acknowledged.
However, he said, their investigation revealed that the stem cells used were not derived from fetuses in this instance, but from umbilical cord cells. The minister also stated that he was not aware of the current status of IAT's stem cell research, but investigations by the Ministry were continuing.
The minister added, "I do not know of any other facilities conducting stem cell research (and) in light of the events surrounding this particular case, should any such research be ongoing, it is now imperative and important that they follow the proper procedures." He warned researchers to "cease immediately" and following proper procedures.
Follow procedures
Dr. Bethel reiterated that to conduct stem cell research in The Bahamas an application must be submitted to the Ministry, "inclusive of a proposal of the specific research to be considered."
Once the information was in hand, the minister reiterated, it would be "forwarded to the ethics committee, within the Ministry of Health for its review and recommendations."
Additionally, he pointed out, "prior to the commencement of any research the Ministry of Health's approval must be granted to the applicant in writing."
When questioned on whether IAT submitted such an application, the minister responded, "We have not received at this time any formal communication or application to continue," the stem cell research.
Responding to questions about the legal ramifications for facilities that provided the umbilical cords, Dr. Bethel said that their investigation was continuing and in time the ministry would be able to answer how they acquired the cells and under what authority.
He admitted though that from media reports IAT had obtained the appropriate consent when they acquired the embryonic stem cells.
Possible legislation
As the evolution of stem cell research continues to be a topic of debate, the minister said, as far as the Bahamas is concerned, "Clearly this incident, along with our global commitments will act as a stimulant for us to bring about a consideration of legislation governing the whole process of research, stem cell research in particular."
Subsequently, as scientists continue to think out of the box, "We have to understand that scientific research and inquiry does involve taking risks at many different levels, for the better good and much has been gained over the many years of human research and development of medicine. However as we progress as a people and as a world," he continued, the international medical community seeks to limit research on human embryos and stem cells... " to make sure that we do not go across the line into immoral or amoral areas where we can be for example, cloning babies."
By JIMENITA SWAIN,Guardian Staff Reporter
The Bahamas has never condoned any experimental medical research rejected by the international community, the Minister of Health said Thursday.
"The ministry has acted over the many years that I have been a practising physician, some 30 years, diligently and very critically in terms of its review of all such proposals and have sent the message far and wide, The Bahamas is not a playground for research that is not approved," Dr. Marcus Bethel said at a press conference.
These statements came as the minister fielded questions from the press, related to the recent suspension of stem cell research at Immuno Augmentative Research (IAT) Bahamas Limited. The Freeport-based laboratory came under media scrutiny recently after media reports that they were conducting embryonic cell research.
"We in the Bahamas have been subject over the many years to researchers wishing to conduct research that is not or has not been approved to be conducted in the United States or Canada," Senator Bethel said.
IAT was established in Freeport during the 1970's to conduct research and treatment for cancer and the proposal, at that the time revolved around methodologies to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.
Work of IAT
Additionally, Dr Bethel said, the Ministry's records suggest that IAT's research centered around several types of disease, particularly cerebral palsy.
"IAT throughout its history has been something that we have had to review," the minister said, adding that the facility was questioned about their methodology of augmenting the immune system for cancer treatment. Despite the directive by the Ministry of Health, the clinic was never visited to verify whether the order was complied with, he acknowledged.
However, he said, their investigation revealed that the stem cells used were not derived from fetuses in this instance, but from umbilical cord cells. The minister also stated that he was not aware of the current status of IAT's stem cell research, but investigations by the Ministry were continuing.
The minister added, "I do not know of any other facilities conducting stem cell research (and) in light of the events surrounding this particular case, should any such research be ongoing, it is now imperative and important that they follow the proper procedures." He warned researchers to "cease immediately" and following proper procedures.
Follow procedures
Dr. Bethel reiterated that to conduct stem cell research in The Bahamas an application must be submitted to the Ministry, "inclusive of a proposal of the specific research to be considered."
Once the information was in hand, the minister reiterated, it would be "forwarded to the ethics committee, within the Ministry of Health for its review and recommendations."
Additionally, he pointed out, "prior to the commencement of any research the Ministry of Health's approval must be granted to the applicant in writing."
When questioned on whether IAT submitted such an application, the minister responded, "We have not received at this time any formal communication or application to continue," the stem cell research.
Responding to questions about the legal ramifications for facilities that provided the umbilical cords, Dr. Bethel said that their investigation was continuing and in time the ministry would be able to answer how they acquired the cells and under what authority.
He admitted though that from media reports IAT had obtained the appropriate consent when they acquired the embryonic stem cells.
Possible legislation
As the evolution of stem cell research continues to be a topic of debate, the minister said, as far as the Bahamas is concerned, "Clearly this incident, along with our global commitments will act as a stimulant for us to bring about a consideration of legislation governing the whole process of research, stem cell research in particular."
Subsequently, as scientists continue to think out of the box, "We have to understand that scientific research and inquiry does involve taking risks at many different levels, for the better good and much has been gained over the many years of human research and development of medicine. However as we progress as a people and as a world," he continued, the international medical community seeks to limit research on human embryos and stem cells... " to make sure that we do not go across the line into immoral or amoral areas where we can be for example, cloning babies."
