2. Quackery is the act of practicing medical
procedures in fraudulent or ignorant manner.
It is typically done by quacks-those people
who deceive the public by pretending to have
medical skill, knowledge, or qualifications.
Despite having no formal education and
licenses, quacks perform healing practices or
prescribe remedies for illness.
3. Types of Quackery
A. Medical Quackery
It claims to cure a variety of health conditions through the
use of drugless or bloodless treatments and remedies.
However, its effectiveness is still not yet proven inspite of
the healing effects claimed by its advocates.
4. Example: Snake oil – a typical product used by
quacks to cure illnesses. This can be
considered as a fraudulent health product and
unproven medicine since it is not yet
scientifically tested.
5. Types of Quackery
B. Nutritional Quackery
It claims to use all-natural ingredients such as medical
plants and combine them in a single product. Such products
are promoted through food fads and nutritional practices
which are said to provide health benefits to the users. Since it
attracts quite a number of people, it can be considered as a
highly profitable type of quackery.
6. Examples: dietary supplements, weight loss
products, herbal medicines, and sports foods
which are not approved by the Bureau of Food
and Drug Administration:
7. Types of Quackery
C. Device Quackery
It uses devices or accessories which claim to cure
certain illnesses or health conditions even without
medical basis.
Examples: dials, gauges, electrodes, magnets,
blinkers, amulets, charms, and talismans
8.
9. Harmful Effects of Quackery
A. Physical Effects
• Allergies
• Illnesses such as cold or fever
B. Psychological Effects
• Distorted outlook
• Paranoia
• Misplaced trust
10. Possible Effects of Medical Quackery
• Getting healed due to one’s faith on quack or on the remedies
provided by the quack (placebo effect)
placebo - is anything that seems to be a "real" medical
treatment -- but isn't. It could be a pill, a shot, or some other type
of "fake" treatment. They do not contain an active substance
meant to effect.
• Unimproved conditioned
• Prolonged illness
• False hopes
• Waste of money, time and effort
• Death
11. The People who are Common Victims of Quackery
• People who suffer from serious ailments like cancer, heart
problems, and so forth
• People who are afraid of doctors, medical laboratories, or
surgeries
• People who usually place a premium on vanity