Magical Healing through Quackery: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Perspective in Helan, District Mandi Bahauddin

Abstract

This study explores the prevalence of quackery in rural healthcare systems, significantly effecting the health outcomes and decision making of rural populations. This research examines the phenomenon of magical healing by quacks in Helan village, Mandi Bahauddin district in Pakistan with a focus on the patients’’ view and the reasons for the patients to depend on the unqualified practitioners. It uses a qualitative approach, where data was collected through in-depth-interviews with twenty patients as respondents and as well as key informants. The research adopts the Explanatory Model proposed by Kleinman (1978) as a theoretical framework in analyzing these dynamics. This paper contributes to existing knowledge by reporting factors such as poverty, culture, health ignorance, and public dependence on public health systems influence a patients’ decision to turn to quacks. These quacks take advantage of faith, proximity and cheap services, and these patients suffer more health problems, longer healing times, and later, worse complications. Also, the research brings attention to the inequities that women must bear because of discrimination in seeking medical attention.