False claims by herbalists
Absolute Rubbish! This would be my response to the comments made by Trevor Sayers about the Minister of Health, Dr Fuad Khan statements on writing the DPP to intervene against herbal practitioners who make false claims about curing various major illnesses.
The self proclaimed herbalist stated, “Trinidad has good herbs practices, anywhere I go people thank me. I even have herbs to deal with HIV.” Can Trevor Sayers clarify this statement… Does he possess a cure for HIV? If yes, why has he not mass marketed this product across the world?
It is false hopes and claims of cures such as this which has led the Minister of Health to seek protection for consumers, which they currently do not have due to loopholes in the law. It is important to note that all drugs must be registered with the Food and Drug Division before they can be sold. However, herbal drugs are not a part of the act and hence remain unregulated.
Furthermore, Sayers when asked if he had any fear about the Health Minister’s statement responded, “No. My only fear is not being able to secure a bank loan to expand my business.” Simply put, these herbalists are only interested in making money with no consideration for the side effects of the medicine which they sell. Many of them import herbal medicine from China and they themselves are unaware of what is the composition of the medicine or its side effects.
I intend to stand firmly in support of the Health Minister as he seeks to ensure accountability against herbal practitioners who knowingly make false claims of hope. It is about time that someone stands up and seeks the interest of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago who may become victims to false claims. Mr. Minister, you have my full support!
Allister Greene
Maloney