Stem Cell Therapy in India. Costs & Best Clinics

Is India a good location for Stem Cell Therapy?

India is one of the go to destinations for stem cell therapy, and it’s easy to see why. Treatments here cost a fraction of what you’d pay in the US, UK, or Australia, yet many clinics use cutting-edge technology. Every year, thousands of patients travel to India looking for high-quality, affordable regenerative medicine. But, it’s not all smooth sailing, there are some risks which we’ll go into in this article.

And if you do want to read more about treatments in other countries, check out our article on the Best countries for Stem Cell Therapy!

Key Reasons Why Patients Choose India for Stem Cell Treatment:

• Cost-Effective: Treatments are up to 80% cheaper than in Western countries.
• Many doctors in India have trained or worked in top hospitals across the US, Europe, and other leading medical hubs. Plus, they speak fluent English, making communication easy for international patients. (the medical tourism division of the government backs this up)
•  Dedicated international patient programs, visa assistance, and affordable accommodations make the process seamless.
  – The government recently extended the e-medical visa to nationals of 167 countries
  – They’re also investing heavily into the medical infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier cities

Is Stem Cell Therapy Legal in India?

Stem cell therapy is legal in India for treating conditions like blood disorders, spinal cord injuries, and some orthopedic issues. However, cosmetic procedures and anti-aging treatments aren’t strictly regulated, meaning some clinics operate in a gray area. 

India has guidelines for stem cell research, primarily regulated by:

• CMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) – Oversees clinical research, ethical approvals, and guidelines for stem cell applications.
• CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) – Regulates stem cell-based drugs and therapies, ensuring compliance with medical safety standards.

What Types of Stem Cells Are Allowed in India?

India allows the use of certain types of stem cells for approved medical treatments, while others remain restricted or unregulated:

Allowed Stem Cells & Uses:

• Autologous Stem Cells (from your own body) – Used for orthopedic conditions, blood disorders, and spinal cord injuries.
• Allogeneic Stem Cells (from donors) – Common in bone marrow transplants for leukemia and other blood disorders.
• Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) – Widely used to treat blood conditions like thalassemia and lymphoma.
• Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) – Approved for some orthopedic and neurological applications

Restricted or Unregulated Stem Cells & Uses:

• Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) – Research is permitted, but clinical treatments are highly restricted due to ethical concerns
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) – Still in the research phase—not yet approved for mainstream treatments.
• Umbilical Cord-Derived Stem Cells – Available for research and banking, but not widely approved for direct therapeutic use outside of certain blood disorders.

Can Clinics in India Offer Stem Cell Therapy for Cosmetic & Orthopedic Purposes?

India’s stem cell regulations depend on what the treatment is for.

• Allowed Orthopedic Applications:
  – Doctors can use your own stem cells (from fat or bone marrow) to treat arthritis, cartilage damage, ligament injuries, and sports-related issues. These treatments are allowed, as long as the stem cells aren’t grown or expanded in a lab.
• Cosmetic & Anti-Aging Treatments (Unregulated):
  – Procedures like stem cell facials, PRP for hair loss, and fat-derived stem cell injections aren’t clearly regulated in India. Clinics still offer them, but there are no strict approvals or safety guidelines

Can Indian clinics culture Stem Cells and offer high doses for treatment?

In India, clinics can extract mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from your own fat tissue or bone marrow and reinject them, but they can’t grow or expand the cells in a lab unless it’s part of a government-approved clinical trial (for reference, you can check here.)

That means if you’re getting stem cell therapy for arthritis, joint injuries, or cartilage repair in India, you’re only receiving the number of MSCs naturally present in your extracted tissue—nothing extra is grown or multiplied.

In comparison, countries like Colombia, Dubai, Japan, and Thailand allow clinics to culture and expand stem cells, so patients there get much higher doses per treatment. Since India doesn’t permit this outside of trials, the overall cell count in treatments tends to be lower, which could affect how effective the therapy is for certain conditions.

Key Legal Takeaways for Patients Considering Stem Cell Therapy in India:

• India allows certain medical stem cell therapies, there are regulations but they’re not always enforced, it can be a bit of a grey area out here!
• In India, stem cell therapy is fully approved for blood disorders. Treatments for orthopedic injuries and spinal cord conditions are still considered experimental, but clinics are allowed to offer them
• Cosmetic and anti-aging stem cell treatments fall into a gray area—they’re available but not strictly regulated.
• Most approved treatments use a patient’s own stem cells (autologous) or donor cells (allogeneic), while embryonic and iPSC-based therapies aren’t widely accessible.
• The quality of clinic you go for is SUPER important, that’s why we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you and selected the best clinics in India for you to check out!

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Stem Cell Therapy in India?

• Officially Approved Treatments (Government Recognized)
  – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) for blood disorders (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia) is the only widely approved stem cell therapy in India.
• Commonly Performed but Still Investigational Treatments
  – Orthopedic injuries (arthritis, cartilage repair, ACL tears, sports injuries) → Clinics offer these treatments using autologous MSCs, but they are still considered investigational.
  – Spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, ALS, stroke, cerebral palsy) → Used in trials, but not officially recognized as standard treatments.
• Unregulated or Experimental Treatments
  – Cosmetic and anti-aging stem cell treatments (hair loss, skin rejuvenation) → These are unregulated and not officially approved.

How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost in India?

To compare average costs with different countries, check out our article covering Average Stem Cell Therapy Costs Around the World.

How to Choose the Best Stem Cell Clinic in India

• Look for Accreditations – NABH, JCI-certified hospitals are safest.
• Stay away from ANY clinic offering guarantees or miracle cures. Stem Cell Therapy is still experimental, check out our content on your specific treatment on our areas of treatment page to make sure you’re in the know.
• Try and check the quality of their stem cells, or if they have their own lab
• Stay away from crazy marketing tactics, paid reviews etc, it’s tough out there to figure out which clinics are legitimate!
• Check out our verified clinics! We’ve done all the legwork for you – and we support you throughout your whole journey so you’re not alone!

Top Stem Cell Clinics in India

Choosing a stem cell clinic can feel overwhelming. That’s why we do the homework for you.

We don’t just list clinics, we talk to them personally and track real patient results from people who’ve gone through treatment. Here’s how:

• Data Backed Recommendations: We track real world treatment results from patients who use our platform. So we can tell you what treatments actually work, backed by real data.

• Clinic Vetting: Our team personally speaks to clinics, No automated sign ups.  Also, we use our growing data to constantly vet our clinics to make sure we’re only working with the best. 

• Help Build the First Database!: The more patients like you that use our platform to find the right Stem Cell Therapy Clinic, the smarter our system gets. By choosing us, you’re not just getting support, you’re helping build the world’s only global treatment database tracking real stem cell results!

Plexus
See Full Profile to Learn more

Plexus is a leading center for neurological rehabilitation and stem cell therapy, helping patients with conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s, Autism, and Cerebral Palsy regain function and improve their quality of life. Founded by Dr. Na’eem Sadiq, a neurologist with over 37 years of experience, Plexus specializes in autologous stem cell treatments (stem cells from your own body) and a range of therapies designed to support recovery. Their facility is India’s first ISO-certified stem cell research center, offering advanced treatment options in a comfortable, patient-friendly environment.

Top Stem Cell Clinics in Colombia

If you’re thinking about other regions, Colombia’s a great choice for Stem Cell Therapy too. Here’s a list of the top ones we’ve vetted already

Alevy Care
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Alevy specializes in stem cell and exosome therapy, using umbilical cord-derived MSCs to treat a wide variety of conditions, from Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis to Back Pain & Orthopaedic injuries.

Their medical team brings over 15 years of experience in pain management, tissue regeneration, and immune system modulation. With three world-class clinics in Medellín, Bogotá, and Pereira, you have options on where you want treatment!

Kyron Clinic
See Full Profile to Learn More

Kyron Stem Cells is a Stem Cell Therapy clinic that focuses on a variety of treatments, including joint pain, chronic fatigue, autoimmune issues, and overall wellness.

The clinic is led by Dr. Carlos Rojas, who has been working with stem cells since 1991 and has over a decade of experience in functional and hormone-based medicine. He is known for creating treatment plans that are genuinely personalized, based on each patient’s biology and lab results.

Do I need a Visa to go to India for Medical Treatment?

Processing Time for the Medical Visa generally takes 3-5 working days.

Normally, all you’ll need to apply for the Medical Visa is your passport, recent photograph, invitation letter from the hospital and a return ticket. You might also be asked to prove financial stability during your duration of stay as well.

What Are the Risks of Stem Cell Therapy in India specifically?

• Unverified Clinics – This is the biggest one. Regulations aren’t enforced heavily, so it’s like the wild west out here! This is going to be your biggest challenge. But, we can help you out here, we’ve selected the best clinics across India for you to compare and we’ll help you through your entire journey, before, during and after treatment!
• Cell Quality – Again, because regulations aren’t enforced, you have to be careful of whats being injected into you. Have they been tested, are they clean, all of these things are super important to be aware of.

Top Cities in India for Stem Cell Therapy

India has several major medical hubs where stem cell therapy is widely available. The most popular destinations for both domestic and international patients include Mumbai, New Delhi, Gujarat, and Bangalore. Each city offers specialized clinics, research centers, and are a little different in case you want to do some sight seeing along the way!

Stem Cell Therapy in Mumbai

Why Mumbai?

• Home to leading hospitals and research institutions that specialize in stem cell therapy.

• Well-developed medical tourism infrastructure, with dedicated international patient services.

Mumbai, also known as “The City of Dreams,” is India’s largest city and its financial capital. It’s a bustling metropolis with a mix of modern skyscrapers, colonial architecture, and Bollywood glamour. Located on the Arabian Sea, it offers beautiful coastal views, vibrant nightlife, and historic landmarks.

Famous Landmarks & Attractions

• The Gateway of India – Iconic colonial-era monument by the sea.
• Marine Drive – A scenic coastal road perfect for evening strolls.
• Bollywood Film Industry – Home to India’s thriving movie industry.
• Elephanta Caves – UNESCO-listed rock-cut caves with ancient sculptures.

Stem Cell Therapy in New Delhi

Why New Delhi

• Strong focus on stem cell research with access to clinical trials.
• One of the most well-connected cities for international medical tourists.

About New Delhi
New Delhi, the capital of India, is a city of contrasts—combining historic Mughal architecture, bustling markets, and modern infrastructure. It’s known for its world-class medical facilities, cultural richness, and political significance.

Famous Landmarks & Attractions

• The Taj Mahal (Agra, 3 hours from Delhi) – One of the Seven Wonders of the World.
• India Gate – A national monument honoring soldiers.
• Qutub Minar – The world’s tallest brick minaret.
• Chandni Chowk – A famous historic market for street food and shopping.

Stem Cell Therapy in Gujarat

Why Gujarat?

• Known for its cost-effective stem cell treatments.
• A growing research hub with increasing access to clinical trials.
• Popular among Indian patients looking for affordable alternatives.

About Gujarat
Gujarat, located in western India, is famous for its business-friendly atmosphere, vibrant cultural festivals, and historical sites. The state is also a leader in healthcare innovation, making it an emerging hub for medical tourism.

Famous Landmarks & Attractions

• Statue of Unity – The world’s tallest statue, built in honor of Sardar Patel.
• Gir National Park – Home to the rare Asiatic lions.
• Rann of Kutch – A stunning white desert that hosts an annual cultural festival.
• Somnath Temple – A historic pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Stem Cell Therapy in Bangalore

Why Bangalore?

• One of India’s top cities for biotechnology and medical research.
• Strong focus on stem cell innovation and clinical research.
• A leading destination for regenerative medicine and high-tech treatments.

About Bangalore
Bangalore, also called “The Silicon Valley of India,” is known for its thriving tech industry, pleasant climate, and lush green parks. It is a major center for biotechnology and medical advancements, making it a prime location for cutting-edge stem cell treatments.

Famous Landmarks & Attractions

• Lalbagh Botanical Garden – A beautiful green space with exotic plants.
• Bangalore Palace – A stunning architectural landmark.
• Cubbon Park – A sprawling park in the heart of the city.
• Bannerghatta National Park – A wildlife sanctuary with tigers, lions, and elephants.

Should You Get Stem Cell Therapy in India?

If you’re considering stem cell therapy in India, you’ll find some of the most affordable treatment options in the world, but low cost comes with trade-offs. While top hospitals and research centers offer legitimate treatments, loose regulation enforcement means not every clinic is trustworthy. There’s also some great places to visit, if your into luxury holidays and beaches, Goa is definitely worth a visit!!

Things to look out for

The biggest limitation? India doesn’t allow stem cell expansion (culturing), meaning the number of cells you receive is lower than in countries like Colombia, Dubai, and Thailand, where clinics legally multiply cells for higher doses. This could affect treatment outcomes, depending on your condition. You also can’t get cells derived from Umbilical cord either.

Another challenge is distinguishing legitimate clinics from those making exaggerated claims. Since many treatments are still considered experimental, some clinics take advantage of unclear regulations to market unapproved procedures. If a clinic guarantees results, offers expanded stem cells, or lacks transparency on protocols, consider it a red flag.

Talk to us!

If you’re serious about getting treatment in India, talk to us! We’ll take you through our verified clinics, your options and make sure the whole process is smooth. Yes it’s cheap out here, but you do need to be extremely careful.