KARACHI, Dec 31: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed its concern over the rising menace of quackery in the country saying that patients of cancer, HIV and other chronic diseases are victim of these so-called doctors. It said the quacks were misleading the public by advertising their ‘expertise’ through bill boards, posters and handbills.

It said that PMA branches across Pakistan had gathered different kinds of malpractices by quacks who were claiming a number of precious lives of the public and patients from the underprivileged class.

In Peshawar a mafia is working to treat impotence by some kind of chemicals which are causing renal and hepatic failure by causing metabolic disorders. Most of the renal patient after acquiring treatment from them are compelled to seek kidney transplant.

In Lahore and Karachi many groups are treating patients of Hepatitis B and C which is causing large scale deaths of victims. Besides, they are also charging enormous amounts from patients.

The situation has spiralled out of control since many patients with problems of ear, nose and throat are regularly operated upon by these quacks in Lee Market which results in morbidity and mortality.

The traditional birth attendants are responsible for clandestine abortions which usually results in perforation of uterus, small gut and bowel. Each day teaching hospitals are receiving women in septic shock after criminal abortions.

The PMA also urged the government to come to the rescue of the people from organized quackery as all branches of the PMA would extend help to the government in its war against quackery.—PPI