Detoxification machine not approved by ministry

The Ministry of Medical Services wishes to respond to concerns raised by Mr John Smith on the detoxification foot machine, published on July 10 (‘Is this detox machine a hoax?’).

It has come to our notice that some persons are being misled to use this machines imported from China. The ministry would like to clarify that its safety and that of similar ones cannot be assured, and they may cause serious harm to health.

The so-called detox machines have not been presented to the ministry for certification and wananchi should not be cheated that their blood is being cleansed. This process only occurs in specialised facilities like dialysis centres, for conditions such as kidney failure where toxin chemicals are removed.

This is done regularly when a patient is waiting for a kidney transplant.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the detox cleansing method and seek treatment from registered medical practitioners.

The ministry welcomes reports about the above products and similar ones for investigation and action.

The public may report in writing or in person to the Director of Medical Services details of locations where these machines are used for inspectors to ascertain what is going on.

—The writer is the PR and Communications Officer,

Ministry of Medical Services.