Public health recommends testing for all clients subjected to acupuncture needles, suction cups, or injections due to the possibility of equipment reuse and potential blood contamination.
Montreal Public Health is advising individuals who received acupuncture treatments from Dashdorj Bayasgalan, also known as "Dr. Ba," in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood to undergo testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Health officials express concerns over potential health risks associated with the reuse and cross-contamination of acupuncture needles, suction cups, and injections used by Bayasgalan.
Although not a member of the Quebec Order of Acupuncturists, Bayasgalan, alerted by a client's complaint, came under scrutiny. The order, prioritizing precautionary measures, reported a potential safety threat to public health. No instances of infection have been confirmed, but the proactive response aims to minimize risks.
In Quebec, practitioners in acupuncture must hold a license and maintain active membership in the order. Public health recommends testing for all clients subjected to acupuncture needles, suction cups, or injections due to the possibility of equipment reuse and potential blood contamination.
Dr. Geneviève Cadieux, a public health spokesperson, highlighted the risk of asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, who may unknowingly transmit infections for years. Bayasgalan has been instructed to cease treatments that jeopardize public health, with a commitment to discontinue needle or cup-related procedures.
Following an inspection, the acupuncturist order seized equipment from Bayasgalan's office. The possibility of sanctions, including legal actions, looms over Bayasgalan in response to the identified risks.
