Stay away from dangerous medical practices by quacks, warns AIIMS Bhopal experts

Bhopal: Amid rising cases of fake doctors scamming innocent patients, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal experts have asked people to stay away from such quacks which are prevalent in remote tribal areas.

Raising awareness about dangerous medical practices, the institution has documented cases where individuals suffered severe consequences due to misguided treatments. They have encountered cases of individuals who were burned with hot iron rings in an attempt to cure stomach ailments.

In a post on X, AIIMS Bhopal highlighted two severe cases of stomach diseases in which two individuals were impacted by unorthodox medical treatments given by fraudulent practitioners.

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In one such case, a woman in her 50s about 10 years ago underwent skin branding using hot iron rings and earthen pots. She was being treated by a local quack in his village. Following the procedure, she was experiencing pain and swelling.

This was repeated after a year when no relief was found, she went to the gastro surgery OPD of AIIMS. The doctors after examination, diagnosed her with Portal Hypertension, leading to an enlarged spleen causing significant discomfort. Currently, she is undergoing tests for appropriate medical intervention.

In another similar case, a man in his 50s was burnt with hot iron rings and hot pieces of pottery due to stomach ache. He later developed jaundice and was found to be suffering from cancer adjacent to the pancreas. Fortunately, the cancer was detected on time and could be cured through surgery.

Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, Professor (Dr) Ajay Singh has asked people to stay away from scams and quacks. Further, he said, "In many parts of the country, such practice by quacks is prevalent in rural areas and MP region is also no exception. There is no need for such bizarre practices at all, rather than any benefit they put the patient's life at risk.

"There are many causes of stomach pain or jaundice, from simple problems like stones to serious problems like cancer. Proper evaluation and timely investigation are essential for correct diagnosis and treatment," he added.

"Illiteracy, lack of awareness and misconceptions are some of the factors behind such prevalent practices in rural areas. AIIMS Bhopal is making every possible effort to reach out to the public in remote areas through its social outreach programme," stated the press release.

Dr Vishal Gupta, an additional professor in the gastro surgery department of AIIMS Bhopal, said, "While traditional practices may offer temporary relief, they often mask underlying symptoms and exacerbate medical conditions. It is crucial for individuals to seek professional medical advice to prevent serious health complications."

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