A man in China, known as Gao, had a life-threatening experience following an acupuncture session conducted by an unqualified practitioner. Gao’s wife, Chang, found this “doctor” through a friend who assured her that he could treat Gao’s fibroma. The procedure took place at a Cyber Cafe Lounge, but shortly after the needles were inserted, Gao’s condition worsened drastically, resulting in breathing difficulties and incontinence. Reports suggest that he was rapidly admitted to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with respiratory failure and pneumothorax, meaning his lungs had been punctured. Thankfully, he managed to survive, though he was in critical condition. A doctor mentioned that even a minute’s delay in treatment could have led to dire consequences.
The unlicensed practitioner had initially claimed he would take responsibility for the incident, but he subsequently vanished, leaving Chang desperate for answers. She even approached his home seeking help while involving local media.
This “doctor,” referred to as a “barefoot doctor,” had no formal medical training and learned his skills informally by watching others. Interestingly, the friend who recommended him had been receiving treatment for neck pain, leading him to believe in the unlicensed practitioner’s abilities, despite knowing the risks.
In China, laws stipulate that only certified medical professionals are allowed to perform medical procedures. Local health officials have acted on this case, sending documentation to police for legal action against the individual. A local attorney, Li Bo, pointed out that practitioners engaging in illegal medical activities can face significant prison time if they cause serious harm to patients.
Social media reactions have reflected disbelief regarding the couple’s and their friend’s lack of awareness. One user commented on how fortunate Gao was to survive, emphasizing the dangers of trusting unlicensed “barefoot doctors.” Another expressed surprise that they chose to receive treatment in a cybercafé.
