'Fake doctors in UAE closer to witchcraft'

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has warned the public against practices of fake doctors who provide medical treatment without the approval of the authorities.

“The society has foreseen some malpractices by a group of fake doctors, who are not licensed by the UAE health authorities, and claim that they have the ability to provide treatment for difficult cases.

“Such claims are closer to magic and witchcraft,” said Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health and Licensing at the MOH.

Recently, inspectors of the ministry busted a fake chiropractor in the Northern Emirates and operated with the authorities to transfer his case to the public prosecution. It was not the only case.

Another Asian man was found claiming medical services and treatment for difficult diseases, while another Asian has taken to the internet and social media to proclaim his services and a third Asian man had facilitated treatment in hotel rooms.

“The issue is not a phenomena yet, but we must not deny its presence as any other society.

“The economic progress, high cost of living and multi- cultures are the cause of such a case. These people look for more profits in a short period of time and deceive the hopes of patients,” said Al Amiri.

According to Federal Law No 2 of 1996, all private health establishment are obliged to provide a check-up and examination for patients in an official health clinic or centre.

However, illegal medical practitioners take hotel rooms as for their malpractices. “In fact, some of them promote their medical services by going to the houses of families to offer plastic surgery operations, using the needs of some patients such as elderly people and other patients who seek for recovery from their diseases.”

“These forged persons do not use the latest safety procedures and use techniques that are not scientifically provided, registered or used in any local, regional or international health authority.

“They sometimes use substances of unknown origins and not registered in the country, not taking into consideration the patient’s need or case.

“They also abuse elderly people and chronic diseases patients who unfortunately listen to these people who are mostly in pursuit behind such deceitful doctors”, Al Amiri elaborated.

These services are especially advertised through social media, Al Amiri explained.

Misleading messages with using the names of individuals to trick the audience are spread on the internet, outside the scope of the inspecting authorities.

Although the authorities have increased their efforts to curtail the illegal practices, these efforts are not enough,” he said.

These people have the experience in using different ways and techniques in deceiving the society members either through the internet or telecommunications.

“We call the society to eliminate such practices by protecting the society and maintain the public health.

“We also call them to inform the ministry of health or other legal authorities and not participate in the dissemination of such medical malpractices”, he concluded.

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