Kozhikode: DHS gives quacks a chase

KOZHIKODE: The Directorate of Health Services (DHS) is on a mission against quacks and the initiative has been bringing results. The self-proclaimed naturopathy and food adulteration consultant Mohanan Vaidyar’s clinic at Paripally in Kollam was closed recently after inspection. “Mr Vaidyar’s contention was that he was not treating the patients, but two Sidda (BSMS) qualified lady doctors were. But the clinic does not have the licence by the gram panchayat and a notice to this effect has been issued,” said Kollam district medical officer in-charge Dr C.R Jayashankar. 

Patients visit the clinic to ‘consult’ Mohanan Vaidyar inspired by the advertising blitz in social media that was selling the ‘naturopathic’ healing methods practiced by him.

In Alappuzha, an unlicensed lab at Thanneermukkom where not only samples were tested but treatment was also given was sealed on Wednesday. “A dengue death occurred due to the ‘treatment’ in this clinic,” said the DMO, Dr Vasanthdas. D.

In Malappuram, the health office has intervened and cracked vested interests in at least three cases last month.  “It is unfortunate that people are attracted to quacks who make a quick buck using the name ‘Nature’,” said Malappuram DMO, Dr K. Sakeena. 

Police action was taken in a case where a parent of a school in Vengara circulated a wrong voice clip that iron tablets were given to students of a particular community to prevent fertility. 

Director of Health Services Dr R.L Saritha said that more actions against quacks were in the offing.