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Health ministry calls on public to expose quacks

Department of health officials have called upon the public to utilize electronic gadgets and technology to snitch on quacks.

A cellphone with a camera or an inexpensive voice recorder is all a member of the public needs to gather evidence that can result in fines of up to NT$250,000 for those practicing Chinese medicine without a license.

"We need the help of the public because we do not have the funds necessary to devote enough manpower to this issue," said Lin I-hsin (林宜信), chair of the Department of Health's Committee of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy.

Only 45 cases of quackery and illegal ads involving Chinese medicine were processed last year, the committee said.

"We know that the extent of the problem is not proportional to the number of cases being prosecuted right now," Lin said. "This is why we need the public to help."

Those wishing to expose a dodgy doctor should obtain a voice recording or a photograph of the unlicensed practitioner while performing medical treatments such as acupuncture or diagnosing a health problem, Lin said.

They can then inform the committee by calling 02-2587-2828 or contact their local Bureau of Health Promotion.

"The identity of those who have provided us with evidence will be kept strictly confidential," said Chu Wen-chieh (楮文杰), a committee section chief.

Traditional medicinal practices monitored by the department include prescribing Chinese medicines and performing acupuncture and bone-setting.
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