The Consumer Council is concerned about a new alternative treatment product advertised and sold in the markets, which claims that it can reduce the dose of medication for patients of high blood pressure and diabetics.

CEO Premila Kumar made the call after an advertisement about a machine in one of the dailies claimed that it can get rid of neck, back, shoulder, knees and other body pains.

She added this treatment has not been endorsed by the Health Ministry, as there is no medical evidence to suggest that such treatment will cure diabetes or high blood pressure.

Kumar said consumers before indulging into any kind of treatment must obtain full and adequate information as to the treatment with their doctors or medical experts, particularly if they suffer from chronic illness where regular medication is needed.

According to Kumar, they consulted some private practitioners who concluded that the treatment may be harmful to people with high blood pressure, and has no medical research conducted to establish the effectiveness of the treatment and the side effects.

Kumar said the machine does not have to be operated by a registered doctor, and is calling on consumers to make informed choices before forking out money to buy a piece of machine that promises to make them well.