WHAT'S UP DOC : Beware of what I call ‘disease-mongering’

There is this practice known as “disease mongering,” which is rife in many parts of the world today—it’s real, it hurts people’s economy and it’s happening in a complex way.

I recall, during my medical school days—about three years ago—when senior medical specialists used to caution future doctors on how to avoid being “economic burdens to patients.”

That meant, for instance, when a medical doctor “irrationally” requests for several medical tests for a patient—some of which could have been avoided. Most doctors that I know today are very cautious about this.

However, as the medical industry makes advances, there is an “irresistible push” from drug firms and insurance companies, which could lead medical doctors into a decision-making dilemma.

And, when I recently read an online article by Kenyan medical practitioner, Dr J.A. Aluoch, that doctors “should never allow their clinical judgement to be compromised by a relationship with a pharmaceutical company,” it dawned on me that I should take this message forward to Tanzania; where this trend is palpable—but rarely talked about.

The term, “disease mongering” was coined by Lynn Payer, a science writer, in her book: Disease-Mongers: How Doctors, Drug Companies, and Insurers Are Making You Feel Sick.” Payer was trying to convince the people to understand that they could be mildly sick but end up being declared very ill.

Up to this point, reversing the trend of disease-mongering may not be an easy task, as there is a huge amount of money being pumped by drug firms into the practice.

The best way to deal with it, is by being prepared psychologically and being extra-vigilant with the messages promoted by big pharmaceutical firms.

When to know disease-mongering is happening:

• When you are convinced to believe that a common symptom could mean anything, is a sign of a serious disease.

• When a normal function of your body is treated as if there is something wrong with it.

• Describing a suffering that isn’t necessarily there.

• Defining a condition as a deficiency disease or as a disease of hormonal imbalance.

• Recruiting doctors to spin the message.

• Using statistics selectively to exaggerate the benefits of treatment.

• Promoting a certain treatment as risk-free.

Stay safe, make informed health choices!