China's Health Ministry has ordered a stop to unapproved stem cell treatments. - Reuters Photo.

BEIJING: China's Health Ministry has ordered a stop to unapproved stem cell treatments, which have become a growing but loosely regulated industry in the country.

The ministry said Tuesday it stopped accepting applications for procedures until July as it tries to bring the industry under control with a yearlong campaign to halt unauthorized stem cell therapy trials.

Regulations on stem cell treatments are lighter in China compared to other nations. The country is seen as a last hope for people suffering from serious medical problems ranging from cancer to spinal cord injuries.

Patients, including some from overseas, can pay tens of thousands of dollars in a bid to restore back functions or sight.