Quacks can be detrimental to life; exercising caution against them is harm reduction!

About 57% of those practicing modern medicine in India may be quacks, as per WHO

New Delhi, March 1 2019: Studies suggest that in India, the mantra of scientific data and evidence is often not the basis of beliefs. Social media, ‘cure-mongers’, ‘quacks’ and ‘diet gurus’ issue medical diktats and people are inclined to be attracted to alternative, unscientific treatment methods. These leave some people confused and others undertake these measures believing in them. From hoax and fake news on chronic diseases such as diabetes to the miracle remedies that offer cure for these, there is a plethora of news flooding social media, and can be dangerous to health.

Effective communication to the masses is never taught in medical schools. On the other hand, quacks, frauds and fake godmen (and even some retired, disgruntled physicians) deliver incorrect/fake statements effectively. One retired physician even told people that the best thing to do if one has a heart attack is to stay at home and do nothing; if one goes to a hospital, one would surely die!

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “It is the ability to anticipate, recognize and the quickness shown in managing any complication that marks a distinguishing characteristic of a “good” doctor and sets him/her apart from others. To acquire these clinical and procedural skills, a doctor undergoes years of rigorous study and training. Only then do they acquire adequate knowledge, discernment and develop skills to take the right decision for the patient and adapt to changing practices. However, today, quacks are flourishing in our society. They are obviously untrained and lack the ability to diagnose or treat patients, particularly emergency or complication. They cannot render timely first aid. Although it is their routine practice to refer patients to hospitals or higher centers, but precious time is lost. They can hardly be expected to be aware of the concepts of the “Golden hour” or the “Platinum 10 minutes”. And, the outcome often is patient succumbing to his illness.”

Statistics by the WHO indicate that about 57% practicing modern medicine in India may be quacks. This count only seems to increase with most of them possessing nothing more than a school education. Framed certificates and diplomas adorn their “clinics”and these are easily fabricated by offering money.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor-in-Chief of IJCP, said, “There is an urgent need for a central act against quackery. Quackery is a huge issue today. Unqualified people are prescribing medication they are not even aware of. This leads to complications and further we, doctors, are accused of neglect. It also leads to mortality in our hospitals, reaching numbers which we are not even aware of sometimes due to lack of adequate data.”

Beware of quacks as they indulge in cuts and commissions, will never refer the patient in time, invariably give steroids in every case, and will over investigate the patient to appear genuine. On the other hand, people should have faith in registered and qualified doctors as they do not indulge in unethical practices, do not take or give commissions, work with the primary aim and dharma of healing and not financial gain, believe in Karma and not Kriya, and will always guide patients with the best of interest.