Man almost dies after puncturing lungs during illegal acupuncture session
A man nearly died after having an acupuncture session with an unlicensed doctor who claimed that he could treat his tumor.
According to a report by South China Morning Post, the man from China, surnamed Gao, has fibroma or a non-cancerous tumor with "fibrous, connective tissue” on his back.
The unqualified doctor was recommended by his wife's friend in Henan province.
During Gao’s appointment, the “doctor” said that what Gao had was simply an “air bump” and not fibroma.
Gao agreed to have the session to have it cured by the fake doctor at a cybercafe. He had difficulty breathing after several needles were inserted into his body.
He was brought to the hospital and was diagnosed with respiratory failure and pneumothorax, which "occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall.”
The SCMP reported that the incident, which took place in February, left him in critical condition at the intensive care unit. He’s now safe and well.
Per the hospital staff, Gao "would have been dead" if he was given medical assistance a minute later.
The fake doctor's father confirmed to Gao that his son is not a licensed doctor and only learned how to do acupuncture by observing others.
An investigation on the matter is ongoing. Hospital staff are cooperating in the probe and have submitted documents to authorities to have the fake doctor arrested.
The unlicensed doctor will face charges in connection to illegal medical practice.
According to SCMP, performing medical treatments without license and causing severe harm to someone's health is illegal and can cause one to be sentenced to three to 10 years in prison.
