Misleading advts by quacks abound in city

Manmeet Gill

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 22

Despite being banned under the Drugs and Magical Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act, misleading advertisements promising relief from complicated diseases by quacks and tantriks can be easily seen in the city.

Such advertisements are frequently seen on pamphlets, posters, bill boards and even in vernacular newspapers and channels. But the local health department seems to have turned a blind eye on the issue.

The qualified medical practitioners feel that these quacks and tantriks create complications and patients often reach the point of no return.

“We have seen cases where the people were lured by unqualified persons using their false claims. By the time they understand that they have been fooled, the disease is found to be in an advanced stage,” said a doctor at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital.

The gullible residents often fall prey to such misleading advertisements. The indifferent attitude of the law enforcement agencies further emboldens these quacks, who have displayed their advertisements on various prominent places in the city.

Civil Surgeon Dr Narinder Kaur said, “The department would soon start a drive to check medical practice by unqualified persons. The residents should not believe such advertisements and consult qualified physicians in case of any health issue.”