DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH EDUCATION

LECTURER'S NAME: DR. ISAAC AKINLOYE

COURSE CODE: HED 311

COURSE TITLE: CONSUMER HEALTH EDUCATION

TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF QUACKS

GROUP MEMBERS:

Olayeye Itunuoluwa Christianah 190314588

Momoh Mariam Obehi 190324527

Akpan Joy Opeyemi 190314598

CHARACTERISTICS OF QUACKS

1. Secret formulas or devices: Reputable physicians share their ideas,

findings, and other pertinent information with the rest of the scientific
community but this is not so in the case of Quacks.
2. Guarantee of cure: Unlike reliable practitioners, the quack promises sure
and quick cures.
3. Use of advertisement and case histories: A doctor's reputation becomes
well known by his professional qualifications and it is unnecessary for him
to advertise for clients as do many medical frauds.
 4. Testimonials: The reliability of testimonials is often doubtful and the health
consumer should realize that fraudulent practitioners often use
testimonials to increase sales.
5. Clamour for medical investigation and recognition : Legally any promoter
of a drug must undertake the responsibility of proving its safety and
effectiveness prior to interstate shipment. Many quacks turn this
responsibility around in their promotion to the public.
6. Claims of persecution by medical men/teams/bodies who are afraid of
competition: When the health fraud is exposed by his professional
colleagues, he may react by claiming that he is being persecuted by them.
7. Claims that conventional forms of therapy will cause more harm than
good: Quacks may ridicule conventional forms of diagnosis and/or
treatment and substitute a technique or device known only to themselves.
8. Provision of one solution to more than one health problem or issue:
Quacks are prone to giving one medical solution, it could be a drug or
medicinal mixture, claiming that it cures two, three or more illnesses at a
time.
9. Easily Accessible: Quacks are easily accessible; quick to come across with,
than qualified medical practioners.
10.False Personal Information: Quacks most times give wrong information
about themselves in order to avoid being traced and arrested.

Pictures that are related to the characteristics of Quacks

Persuasion, Easily Accessible, Multi-purpose solution & Condemnation of

medical therapy