Originally, we started in 2011 as a Swiss clinic with headquarters in St. Gallen, Switzerland. But in 2016, the regulations for using the donors’ stem cells in Switzerland changed, meaning we were not able to treat patients in Switzerland with donor cells anymore.
This proved to be an obstacle for us, as there are many diseases that we only treat with cells obtained from donors, not the patients themselves: the patient’s own cells are already weakened and less effective, whereas the donor cells are youthful, active, and in large numbers. This is the case with diseases like MS, ALS, Parkinson’s, and many more.
Hence, we had to choose a new location for our clinic. Here are some of the reasons we have decided on Serbia:
Regulatory Environment: Serbia has established regulations that allow for the use of certain regenerative medicine therapies, including mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy. These regulations provide a favorable environment for clinics like Swiss Medica Group to offer MSC therapy under specific conditions.
Expertise and experience: Serbia has a pool of experienced medical professionals and researchers who specialize in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies. The clinic in Belgrade benefits from the knowledge and expertise of these professionals, who are dedicated to advancing the field and providing high-quality care to patients.
Cost-effectiveness: Healthcare costs can vary significantly between countries. By operating in Serbia, Swiss Medica Group can offer MSC therapy at a more affordable price compared to clinics located in other countries, especially in Switzerland. This makes the treatment more accessible to a broader range of patients.
Accessibility for international patients: Belgrade is well-connected by international flights and has a developed infrastructure for medical tourism. Patients from various countries can travel to the clinic in Belgrade to receive MSC therapy without facing significant logistical challenges.