Most dengue patients ‘stung’ by quacks

‘Difficult to treat after under wrong hands’:

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Quacks

* Around 7,000 in country

* Actual number can be higher

* Quacks practise as MBBS doctors

The Health Ministry yesterday said the biggest damage caused by quack doctors is the bogus treatment given to dengue patients.

It is difficult for doctors to treat dengue patients who come to State hospitals after obtaining treatment from quack doctors, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman it is estimated that around 7,000 quack doctors are practising in Sri Lanka. “The actual number can be higher. Health Authorities will raid centres where quack doctors operate. Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has instructed health authorities to arrest the quack doctors with the assistance of Provincial Directors of Health and inspect their dispensaries,” the spokesman said.

He said quack doctors mostly practise as MBBS doctors and offer western medicine.