POLICE INVESTIGATE ADVERT OFFERING STEM CELL INJECTIONS TO AUTISTIC CHILDREN
Scotland Yard is investigating allegations of fraud after concerns were raised about a doctor offering to carry out “experimental procedures” on children with autism.
Greenwich council has issued a warning to schools and nurseries in the London borough after being made aware of adverts from a man claiming to be a medic offering stem cell injections into the brain to treat the condition.
Newham Council and Nottingham Safeguarding Children Partnership have also sent warning notes to schools.
The unnamed doctor, who is believed to be based in Bangladesh, had suggested he was visiting the UK soon and would be available to carry out the controversial procedure.
It is unclear if this is a financial scam.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police are investigating the circumstances of a reported fraud relating to the provision of medical services.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the identity of the person(s) behind these adverts and to confirm where they are based.
“There is no evidence to suggest that the person(s) behind these adverts has treated anybody in the UK. We are working closely with local authority and NHS partners. There has been no arrest.”
A spokesman for Greenwich council said: “We understand that this person is proposing the transfer of bone marrow and spinal fluid to the brain by injection.
“This unlicensed procedure poses a significant threat to life and there is no evidence of any benefits.
“The safety and welfare of our children and young people is of the utmost importance.”
A spokesman for the National Autistic Society said: “Autism is not a disease or illness and therefore it cannot be ‘treated’ and there is no ‘cure’.”
“There is very little evidence about stem cells and autism. There are also concerns about the regulation of stem-cell procedures, which could be painful or even hazardous depending on how they are administered.
“We would encourage anyone looking for advice or guidance about autism to seek reliable and safe information from our charity, the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.”
2024-04-18T17:17:24Z dg43tfdfdgfd