NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government is taking steps to replace the decade-old Stem Cell Research and Therapy Act with updated legislation, citing the need to synchronize the nation’s regulatory framework with advancements in scientific understanding and technological capabilities.
Dr. Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness, introduced the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Bill 2024, emphasizing the potential synergy between tourism and medicine as outlined in the proposed legislation, which, he believes, will pave the way for numerous successes.
Darville stated: “The repeal of the current Stem Cell Research and Therapy Act, 2013 is necessary to modernize our regulatory framework in light of scientific and technological progress. While the previous legislation served its purpose, medical advancements demand additional specifics and essential layers to effectively regulate the evolving landscape of longevity and regenerative therapies.”
He continued, “While the number of patients treated in the Bahamas is relatively small, the focus of the NSCEC (National Stem Cell Ethics Committee) has always been on establishing high-quality standards and operational procedures for all stem cell therapies administered in The Bahamas. This lays a strong foundation for expanding our operations, which is the aim of the 2024 Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Bill.”
Darville highlighted critical provisions of the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Bill 2024, including the establishment of a National Longevity and Regenerative Therapy Board tasked with fostering innovation, promoting local standards, and encouraging medical tourism. Additionally, it aims to attract leading biotech companies to the Bahamas, creating new employment opportunities and bolstering the local economy while ensuring proper monitoring of stem cell therapies, gene therapies, and other emerging regenerative therapies.
The new Bill also proposes the creation of a separate National Longevity and Regenerative Therapy Ethics Review Committee to oversee the ethical conduct and safety of these cutting-edge therapies and research programs.
Darville emphasized, “The Bill outlines processes for applications, approvals, registry, licensing, and monitoring. It establishes regulations, clearly defines prohibited procedures, and outlines consequences for offenses. Patient rights and interests are protected, including informed consent requirements, treatment protocol transparency, and mechanisms for reporting adverse events.”
He portrayed the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Bill 2024 as a balanced approach to fostering healthcare innovation while safeguarding patient welfare and upholding ethical standards. “By embracing these therapies, we have the potential to alleviate chronic disease burdens, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance overall quality of life for our citizens. Providing a regulatory framework to support the development of regenerative medicine ensures our country remains at the forefront of medical progress and modernization.”
“We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this bill presents, both medically and financially, and we urge colleagues from all sides of the political spectrum to support it,” concluded Darville.
