Not traditionally known as a hub of health care, India is taking the lead on stem cell therapies, due to the lack of government restrictions. Some doctors hail the revolution. Others decry wanton risk-taking.

Americans seek stem cell treatments in India

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Unfettered by embryonic research restrictions, Indian scientists are offering stem cell therapies that cure the previously incurable.

By Mridu Khullar
Published: October 9, 2009 10:54 ET

NEW DELHI, India — In December 2007, Californian Amy Scher got on a plane to India, wheeled herself into the Nu Tech Mediworld hospital in New Delhi, and started the first phase of an experimental embryonic stem-cell treatment.

Her American doctor had warned her against this untested procedure. But 27-year-old Scher was making no progress with conventional medicine, and she was fed up with the constant visits to hospital emergency rooms.

Scher suffered from chronic Lyme disease, which had gone undiagnosed initially, causing serious damage her nervous system. After researching her options for months, talking to several people who had benefitted from these treatments in India, and reading up about therapies available stateside, Scher decided the American medical system couldn't help her. She chose to travel to India.

For eight weeks, she was injected with stem cells and underwent extensive physical therapy. The treatments cost an average of $20,000 to $30,000 for a first round of injections. They were not covered by insurance.

Today, Scher's U.S. physician, Dr. Steven Harris considers her "asymptomatic...."

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