In June 25, 1996 a series of article by Molly Gordy entitled ‘Medical Menace’ of the Daily (NY) exposed fake doctors and other medical practitioners in New York’s Chinatown.

It detailed accounts of appalled “clients” who have had their fingers hacked, spine destroyed, a face disfigured and a frightening case of brain damage by a tonic laced with poison and in another a near fatal failed abortion.

The articles prompted The Office of Consumer Affairs to issue fines and the Health Department and District Attorney received more than 100 complaints.

A day later, the delegates of the Chinese Medical Society (CAM) meet up with the NY Education Department licensing division to examine case studies of victims and false newspaper advertisements. 

Within days, the government opened 65 investigations and issues 27 fines. 

On the 27th of June, State Senator Roy Goodman held press conference to compile the relevant evidence and gather expert advice for the possibility of legislating new laws.  The aims of such laws would make practicing medicine without a license a state crime with a minimal one-year jail and compensation to victims of up to US $100,000.

Though the issues raised in Medical Menace knows no racial and geographic boundaries, what is certain is that immigrant are most vulnerable and need skilled medical care and due to factors such as language barriers they can be easy preys.

Source: New York’ Chinatown: A Case Study. By Raymond Fong M.D. of the Chinese American Medical Society.
 

J.Lam