untrained Individuals Posing as Diabetes Specialists Raise Health Concerns in Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, RD – A growing number of individuals without proper medical training are offering diabetes care in the Dominican republic, prompting serious warnings from the Dominican Society of Diabetes and Nutrition.The society reports a concerning trend of unqualified practitioners providing consultations and treatments for the chronic disease, potentially endangering public health.
Diabetology in the Dominican Republic is a recognized medical specialty requiring a three-year residency program following general medicine training. Currently, the National Diabetes Institute (INDEN) and the Doctor Francisco Moscoso Puello Hospital are the only accredited centers offering these specialized training programs, both adhering to standards set by the Ministry of Public health and the Dominican Medical College, and aligned with international guidelines.Despite these established regulations, the Society notes a rise in individuals advertising themselves as diabetes specialists after completing short-term diplomas or workshops. These practitioners are ofen found promoting their services on social media, in private clinics, and at non-accredited facilities.
“This type of illegal practice exposes patients to incorrect treatments,erroneous diagnoses and serious complications that could be avoided with professional care,” the Dominican Society of Diabetes and Nutrition stated in a recent release.
The Society highlighted documented cases of inappropriate insulin use and inadequate patient monitoring resulting in preventable complications, including kidney problems and cardiovascular issues.Effective diabetes management, they emphasize, requires a comprehensive approach encompassing pharmacology, nutrition, endocrinology, and consistent monitoring.
The Dominican Society of Diabetes and Nutrition is urging health authorities and medical organizations to increase oversight and enforce penalties against those practicing medicine without proper credentials.They are also advising patients to verify the qualifications of their healthcare providers, request accreditation documentation, and seek care only from certified centers.
Patient awareness is being positioned as a critical defense against potentially harmful,unqualified care.Recent studies indicate that approximately 14% of the dominican population suffers from diabetes, with a significant portion remaining undiagnosed.
This issue mirrors concerns recently raised by the Dominican Society of Cardiology, which also reported instances of untrained individuals offering cardiology services, further highlighting a broader problem of unqualified medical practice within the country.
