AJ

Animesh JainAIR 63· 2020

Question 18GS3GS3

Stem cell therapy, though offering promising results for various health issues is fraught with certain concerns. Discuss.

Open scan (p.44)

Main Body

Stem cell are undifferentiated cells that can grow into any cell type. The therapy based on the usage of these cells is called stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy & results for various health issue: 1) Help tackle disease like cancer. 2) Tackle genetic disorder like sickle cell disease. 3) Potential to weaken new organs in future => tackle organ failure using. 4) Application in anti-ageing therapy. 5) Can slow down muscle degeneration and tackle disease like alzheimer.

However, it is brought with these concerns: 1) Create health inequities as high treatment cost would benefit such. 2) Lack of regulation in stem cell field & potential misuse. 3) Long term health impact of stem cell therapy still unknown. 4) Can become basis for Eugenics & performance enhancement based on stem cells eg. athletic field. 5) Collection and storage of stem cell at birth is unregulated. 6) Issue of concept where child can't give it while stem cells are collected at birth.

7Misuse in reproduction & stem cell can be used as surrogate leading to disputes over paternity of child - guardianship.
182 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

Way forward: - Regulate the development in field through ICMR guidelines. - Being a regulatory law defining provision like consent and proclivity. - Public research to bring down the costs of treatment & health equity. In a country like India, stem cell therapy with its promise of teaching diseases can help in creating a swasthe Bharat giving its benefits reach all section of society.

64 words

Topper

Animesh Jain

AIR 632020

Subject & Paper

GS3GS3

Topic

Science and Technology

Stem Cell Therapy

Health applications and concerns

Writing Stats

246

Total words

1

Paragraphs

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