Mangalore, Feb 9: The Omega Hospital in association with the Japan-based Nichi In Centre for Regenerative Medicine announced the launch of their stem cell therapy unit.

"This is the first of its kind in the state and will be immensely beneficial to a wide range of patients suffering from chronic diseases, not suitable for other forms of treatment," Omega Hospital Managing Director Dr K Mukund said.

He said; "stem cell therapy is fast gaining momentum all over the world. It is especially beneficial for patients with Parkinsons disease, liver cirrhosis and patients with severe heart failure—where existing forms of treatment have failed.

In this kind of treatment, blood from the bone marrow of the patient is removed. The stem cells are isolated, processed and injected back into the diseased organ. The cultured stem cells are injected through the arteries of the heart."

Those stem cells would settle and gradually grow inside, thereby strengthening the function of the heart or other targeted organ. Those cells would be sent to the Nichi In laboratory in Chennai for processing, he added.

This facility was available in a few hospitals in India. The stem cell therapy unit was a part of cardiology research centre opened in Omega Hospital.

Patients admitted in the Omega Hospital with ailments such as damaged hearts could access advanced treatments at reasonable cost, he added.

Dr Samuel Abraham of Nichi In centre, Cardiac Surgeon Dr A G Jayakrishnan and administrator S L Bharadwaj were also present.

New Ind Press