News report here
While stem cell research is viewed as having huge potential in leading to cures for currently terminal conditions, it also entails significant costs, both financially in the expense required in conducting basic and clinical research as well as emotionally in terms of the expectations of patients for medical breakthroughs. On July 2nd, 2014 the Centre for Bionetworking has co-organised a special roundtable of experts in the area of stem cell research to discuss if and whether regenerative medicine is a priority for patients living with terminal conditions in India. Held at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi, the panellists participating in the roundtable will include individuals with personal and technical expertise in the area. Patients, patient representatives, clinicians, scientists and policymakers exchange viewpoints on the extent to which stem cell research should be treated as a priority in meeting patient needs vis-à-vis health policy and budget allocation in the context of India. The discussions will be followed by a question and answer session from audience members. Representatives from the Centre for Bionetworking include Dr. Prasanna Patra and Dr. Carolyn Heitmeyer.
The event is built upon insights gained from the earlier stakeholder workshop organised by the Centre for Bionetworking and Indian NGO SOCHARA on the same theme in October 2013 in Bangalore, India. The findings from the July expert roundtable will be compiled into policy briefings aimed at regulatory officials and health policymakers both within India and more globally.