At the beginning, it looked like a negligible issue until some of the big and reputable TV houses got taken on the hook. It could only be a windfall for thousands, probably millions of citizens whose access to essential health services is difficult due to the complexity of scientific investigation as is the case with modern medicine. But above all, it is because of the prohibitive cost of such treatment. In this situation of want and even high demand, the choice is rather easy to make. Hence, the huge number of listeners to these new health programmes on radio and television and the intensity of exchanges between the ‘doctors’ in the studios or on TV to receive complaints from anxious patients and those seeking medical information for sick relatives or friends.
If it were simply information on available medical services, one would understand, but our media outlets have become veritable channels for just anybody who can pay to come up and advertise cures for some of the most difficult cases; many which have proven to be incurable. Diseases are generally unlimited and can range from the most complicated cases of cancer to bringing back virility to impotent men or frigid women. In fact, it is a one-size-fits-all situation which has led many avid listeners of radio or watchers of TV into irreparable mistakes.
And yet, we are not in a jungle situation. The December 29, 2006 law on publicity proscribes advertising medicine and practices in the media and Articles 42 and 43 of the said law are very specific on it. So, all what is happening now and which seems to attract a lot of attention, is actually illegal. Good sense recommends that any sick person meet a physician physically to explain their ailment and get the right prescription or protocol for treatment. Media houses and the security agencies must ensure that this practice ends. For, the health of citizens is at stake!
