An Indian chain of homeopathic clinics, Dr Batra’s, has just opened its first branch in London. The new website is impressive. It claims homeopathy is effective for the following conditions:
Hair loss? Are they serious? Have they not seen pictures of Samuel Hahnemann?
I decided to look into the psoriasis claim a little closer. This is what they state regarding the homeopathic treatment of psoriasis:
Research-based evidences speak clear and loud of the success of homeopathy in treating psoriasis.
A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, a conventional medical Journal, showed that psoriasis patients experienced significant improvement in their quality of life and reduction in their psoriasis symptoms with homeopathy. And this was without any kind of side-effects whatsoever. Of the 82 patients involved in the study that went on for 2 years, many had suffered psoriasis for as long as 15 years and had previously unsuccessfully tried conventional treatments.
At Dr. Batra’s we have successfully treated more than 25,000 cases of psoriasis with homeopathy over the last 35 years. Our safe and scientific solutions have brought smiles to many suffering patients of psoriasis. In fact, a study conducted by A.C. Nielson showed that as compared to general practitioners, specialists and local homeopaths, a higher than average improvement is seen at Dr. Batra’s in treatment of skin ailments.
To the reader who does not look deeper, this may sound fairly convincing. Sadly, it is not. The first study cited above was an uncontrolled trial. Here is its abstract:
Design Prospective multicentre observational study. Objective To evaluate details and effects of homeopathic treatment in patients with psoriasis in usual medical care. Methods Primary care patients were evaluated over 2 years using standardized questionnaires, recording diagnoses and complaints severity, health-related quality of life (QoL), medical history, consultations, all treatments, and use of other health services. Results Forty-five physicians treated 82 adults, 51.2% women, aged 41.6 +/- 12.2 (mean +/- SD) years. Patients had psoriasis for 14.7 +/- 11.9 years; 96.3% had been treated before. Initial case taking took 127 +/- 47 min. The 7.4 +/- 7.4 subsequent consultations (duration: 19.4 +/- 10.5 min) cumulated to 169.0 +/- 138.8 min. Patients received 6.0 +/- 4.9 homeopathic prescriptions. Diagnoses and complaints severity improved markedly with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d= 1.02-2.09). In addition, QoL improved (SF-36 physical component score d = 0.26, mental component score d = 0.49), while conventional treatment and health service use were considerably reduced. Conclusions Under classical homeopathic treatment, patients with psoriasis improved in symptoms and QoL.
It is clear that, due to the lack of a control group, no causal inference can be made between the treatment and the outcome. To claim that otherwise is in my view bogus.
I should mention that there is not a single controlled clinical trial of homeopathy for psoriasis that would support the claim that it is effective.
The second study is not listed in Medline. In fact, the only publication of an author by the name of ‘A C Nielson’ is entitled ‘Are men more intuitive when it comes to eating and physical activity?’. Until I see the evidence, I very much doubt that the study cited above produced strong evidence that homeopathy is an effective cure for psoriasis.
Dr Batra’s chain of clinics boasts to provide the best quality and the highest standards of services that percolate down to all levels in an organisation. Everyone in the institute and those associated with it strive for excellence in whatever they do. Measuring the degree of customer satisfaction was the fundamental concept on which this homeopathic institute’s commitment to become a patient-driven institution was built.
Nice words! SHAME THAT THEY HAVE DECIDED TO DILUTE THEIR TRUTH HOMEOPATHICALLY!
11 Responses to Homeopathic chain opens 1st clinic in London … by publishing bogus claims
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They are probably referring to A.C. Nielsen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nielsen_Corporation
This adjudication on Dr Batra’s from the ASA in 2011 said “We told the advertisers to remove the claims “Dr”, “expert doctors” and the claims relating to the efficacy of homeopathy treatment on psoriasis.” Seems like the ASA have been ignored!
https://www.asa.org.uk/Rulings/Adjudications/2011/4/Dr-Batras-Positive-Health-Clinic-(UK)-Ltd/TF_ADJ_50255.aspx#.VhKQlvnBzRY
That was my ASA complaint! 🙂
See: Is there a Doctor in the clinic?
Yes, they were told not to use Dr in their advertising, but the ASA has no power to get them to change the name of their company. However, it’s difficult to see why they don’t appear to be in line with the CAP Code and guidance on advertising homeopathy services.
Well done for all the complaints, Alan! But it’s a shame if the ASA can be ignored with impunity by these people.
Surely the lack of a control group wouldn’t matter. Homeopaths claim that illnesses disappear permanently if they are treated homeopathically. So they need to check again each 6 months or so and see if the problem has come back.
I’m interested to know, what is this company’s UK registered articles of association (and its articles of incorporation abroad)?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articles_of_association
Pete
You can access all the company documents from Companies House for free including the Articles of Association and accounts (last ones made up to 31 March 2015).
Thanks Alan, it is the rather nondescript yet extremely broad category:
Nature of business (SIC)
86900 – Other human health activities
Quote below from Dr Batra’s website. No doubt psoriasis is an attractive condition to target. Chronic, incurable and varied results from conventional treatments.
“On account of being a stubborn disease, cases of psoriasis usually require long-term treatment and there is no magical cure. Perseverance and compliance with the treatment is the key to cure. During the treatment, there are periods of ups and downs but your treating physician at Dr. Batra’s will always be there to help you sail through easily”
I complained to the ASA about assertions made by Batra on Twitter at the start of the year; they replied that it did not seem to be specifically directed at the UK market and therefore I should contact their Indian counterparts.
Unfortunately for India, you can only do this if you live there.
However, now that Batra have relaunched their UK activity, surely a flurry of complaints to all the appropriate organisations (not just the ASA) is in order?
(PS Let me know when they manage to regrow Dana Ullman’s hair for him)
(PS Let me know when they manage to regrow Dana Ullman’s hair for him)
Not long now. As for Dr. E’s comment :
““Hair loss? Are they serious? Have they not seen pictures of Samuel Hahnemann?”
The steady advances in research in homeopathy have done wonders in distilling water and handshaking.
I am sure today Samuel Hahnemann would have hair like a 60’s Beatle.