Original article (in Albanian) was published on 6/2/2024; Author: Ilda Hoxha
False medical professionals are still being utilized by online portals to provide seemingly trustworthy medical advice that recommends purchasing various products. ‘Faktoje’ has recently verified another instance where an article, under the guise of medical guidance, promoted a product for treating vein-related problems.
Articles shared on portals claim that a certain product treats vein issues.
Articles circulating on various portals assert that a specific product can effectively treat vein issues.
‘Edema, muscular pain, and abdominal pain: 3 signs of blocked veins. How to treat them yourself at home?’ – establishes the promotional tone of an article featured on a portal.
Articles shared on portals
To lend credibility to their health advice and product endorsement, the article mentions an Albanian doctor, Dr. Hasani, purportedly holding prestigious positions such as the Head of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chief of the Vascular Surgery Division, and a Professor of Neurosurgery. However, such a comprehensive role combining these specific titles does not align with the structure of healthcare institutions.
Prompted by these discrepancies, ‘Faktoje’ embarked on a detailed investigation. The initial step involved analyzing the photo of Dr. Hasani used in the article. Through the application of photo verification tools, it was determined that this image has been available on the internet since at least 2013.
Further into the text, it is stated that “Doctor Hasani has so far performed more than 100,000 brain surgeries”. This further confirms that we are dealing with a scam, poorly translated, as a doctor specializing in blood vessel issues does not perform brain surgeries.
Further into the text, it claims “Doctor Hasani has so far performed more than 100,000 brain surgeries.” This assertion further signals a scam, likely resulting from poor translation, as a doctor specializing in vascular issues would not be performing brain surgeries. This discrepancy adds to the evidence questioning the legitimacy of the information presented.
When ‘Faktoje’ reached out for comment on this supplement, Dr. Elida Mici, a vascular surgeon and phlebologist, responded, “I am familiar only with products that are sold in pharmacies, those that are officially registered and certified.”
In a series of reports by Faktoje, medical professionals have consistently warned against the use of these unverified supplements, recommending that individuals seek advice from specialist physicians instead. They emphasize that reliance on such unproven treatments could lead patients to delay or discontinue medically recommended treatments, increasing their health risks due to the potential side effects of uncertified products.
The National Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices has made it clear that the products in question are classified as dietary supplements, not medications. The National Food Authority describes dietary supplements as “food products designed to complement the standard diet. These are composed of concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with nutritional or physiological benefits, marketed individually or in combination. They are available in various forms, including but not limited to capsules, tablets, pills, and capsules, as well as in powdered form in bags, liquid form in ampoules, dropper bottles, or other similar formats, all intended for consumption in small, measured amounts.”