Quackery and gullibility

The recent exposure of a self-styled therapist operating under the guise of legitimate Ayurvedic practice in Nagaland has sent shocks through the community, yet it also revealed a troubling pattern of unchecked medical fraud thriving in vulnerable populations. Dr. Imlikumba Jamir, a local qualified physician in AYUSH-a traditional Indian medicine system encompassing Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy-unveiled the deceit of one Md Babur Ali, alias ‘Jay.’ This individual claimed credentials as a qualified therapist but was suspected to be a complete fraud, who duped hundreds of gullible people seeking relief from common ailments. This dubious therapist Md Babur Ali alias ‘Jay’, originally from Choonsali, Noonmati, Kamrup, Assam, had created a flourishing business under the name “Therapist Jay Ayurveda Centre.” He even reportedly professed to have embraced Christianity in Nagaland, frequently invoking the phrase “Nagaland for Christ” in a social media interview to help him gain acceptance in religious circles across several parts of Nagaland. Ali managed to secure endorsements from as many as 31 churches and showcased multiple certificates, presenting an elaborate façade of legitimacy. Dr Imlikumba questioned the dubious therapist’s certificates and it was even pointed out that Ali ‘graduated’ in all disciplines on the same date. Dr. Jamir’s public disclosure during a recent press briefing emphasized that Ali’s operation was based entirely on fabricated qualifications, casting a glaring spotlight on the risks posed by unverified practitioners. Patients who went for the miracle cure reportedly suffered from sinus problems, back pain, and various other conditions. Many gave testimonials of miraculous recovery following his prescription of herbal treatments and massages, which Ali claimed to have learned during formal Ayurvedic training in South India. However there were more patients who testified that their conditions worsened after receiving treatment. A local television feature aired in July 2024, ignorantly presenting Ali as a “miracle healer,” amplified his reputation with testimonials from individuals who publicly endorsed his cures. This media portrayal likely contributed to further entrenching Ali’s influence within the community. In one instance, Ali’s “testimony” of miraculous healing was shared in a church gathering near Dimapur, where the audience were inspired by the fraud’s claims without question, further blurring the lines between faith-based endorsement and medical credibility. This case is far from isolated but underscores a larger, systemic problem where fraudulent healers exploit desperation, faith, and lack of awareness to entrench themselves in communities, often escaping scrutiny for long periods. In many instances people desperate for healing fall prey to these quick-fix promises, risking their health and well-being. The endorsement of quack practitioners by religious institutions, whether intentional or through manipulation, raises critical questions about the responsibilities of these bodies in safeguarding their congregants. More importantly, it calls for urgent, coordinated action by health authorities to investigate and shut down such fraudulent operations. There is an immediate need for public education on the dangers of unverified therapies and for stricter enforcement of healthcare regulations. The exposure of Md Babur Ali’s deception should serve as a wake-up call to all about lack of regulation that only provides fertile ground for medical frauds. Protecting public health is an area which the medical department is supposed to take up proactive measures-rooting out charlatans, verifying credentials, and ensuring that those who claim to heal can back up their claims with authentic qualifications and proven practices. Only then can communities be shielded from the risks posed by such dangerous deceit.