Singapore’s Ministry of Health issued a notice on September 29, 2025, to suspend Cordlife Group’s cord blood banking services for one year due to serious operational failures. The private company, already under scrutiny since 2023, risks full license revocation if it does not fix these issues quickly.
Background on Cordlife’s Ongoing Issues
Cordlife, a leading private cord blood bank in Singapore, has faced repeated problems with storing and handling cord blood units. These stem cells, collected from umbilical cords at birth, are stored for potential future medical use in treating diseases like leukemia.
The troubles began in November 2023 when investigations revealed that seven storage tanks had temperature issues. This affected thousands of clients, with over 7,500 cord blood units damaged or at risk. Families who paid high fees for long-term storage felt betrayed, as the units became unusable.
In April 2024, tests confirmed more units were non-viable. The company paused new collections and focused on fixes. By August 2024, regulators allowed limited operations, letting Cordlife handle just 30 new units per month.
Recent audits in July 2025 uncovered fresh lapses. These included poor collection and testing of 160 new units since January. Governance failures and weak incident reporting added to the concerns.
Details of the Latest Suspension Notice
The Ministry of Health’s notice gives Cordlife 14 days to respond in writing. If suspended, the firm cannot accept new cord blood units but must protect existing ones.
Officials stressed the need for strict standards in this field. Cord blood banking involves freezing samples at very low temperatures to keep them viable for decades.
Here are key points from the ministry’s findings:
- Inadequate training for staff handling sensitive equipment.
- Failures in monitoring storage temperatures consistently.
- Delays in reporting incidents that could harm sample quality.
This is not the first penalty. In 2023, Cordlife lost accreditation from a global body, though it claimed this did not affect storage. The company also faced legal claims from clients, with total demands reaching about S$8.7 million by mid-2025.
A timeline of major events shows the pattern:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 2023 | Initial lapses discovered, affecting 2,150 clients. |
| April 2024 | More units deemed non-viable, totaling over 5,300. |
| August 2024 | Limited services resume with monthly cap. |
| January 2025 | License renewed for one year despite concerns. |
| July 2025 | Audit reveals new issues in processing. |
| September 2025 | One-year suspension notice issued. |
Impact on Clients and the Industry
Thousands of parents in Singapore and beyond store cord blood with companies like Cordlife, hoping for future health benefits. The lapses have eroded trust, leading some to switch providers or seek refunds.
One affected family shared how they stored their child’s cord blood in 2018, paying over S$2,000 upfront plus annual fees. Now, with units damaged, they face uncertainty about medical options.
The scandal highlights broader industry risks. In Singapore, cord blood banking is regulated under the Healthcare Services Act. Similar issues have occurred elsewhere, like a 2024 case in the US where a bank faced fines for storage failures.
Experts say better oversight is crucial. Regular audits and advanced monitoring tech could prevent such problems. Cordlife has promised improvements, including new training programs and equipment upgrades.
Financially, the company reported narrower losses in the first half of 2025, down to S4.6millionfromS12.4 million the year before. But client claims continue to grow, and share trading was halted after the suspension news.
What Happens Next for Cordlife
Cordlife must address the ministry’s concerns within the 14-day window. If it fails, revocation could shut down its Singapore operations entirely.
The firm has offered enhanced support to affected clients, such as refunds or transfers to other banks. In July 2025, it announced plans to help those impacted by the damaged tanks.
Regulators aim to protect public health. They noted that while cord blood use is rare, proper storage is vital for those who need it.
Industry watchers predict stricter rules ahead. Other banks in Singapore, like Stemcord and Cryoviva, may face more audits to ensure compliance.
Broader Lessons and Advice for Parents
This case underscores the importance of choosing reliable cord blood banks. Parents should research accreditation, storage tech, and refund policies before signing up.
Costs typically range from S1,500toS3,000 initially, plus S$250 yearly. Public banks offer free donation for general use, but private ones provide personal access.
For those considering cord blood banking:
- Check the bank’s track record and regulatory history.
- Ask about temperature monitoring and backup systems.
- Understand contract terms for lapses or failures.
Experts recommend diversifying health options, like genetic testing or insurance, alongside banking.
As this story develops, share your thoughts in the comments or on social media. Have you been affected by similar issues? Your input could help others make informed choices.
