NSW HCCC bars “miracle healer”

A NATUROPATH who professed to be a “miracle healer” capable of curing cancer, schizophrenia, eczema and other conditions using herbal remedies, has been permanently prohibited from providing health care services, by the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC).

The Commission found Aleksander Stande, 66, had “wilfully misrepresented and overstated” the level of his qualifications in clinical nutrition, herbal medicine and homeopathy.

It also revealed that former patients of Stande had reported that he had withdrawn unauthorised sums on their credit cards on top of fees that had been agreed upon.

In its ruling the HCCC said it had “grave concerns regarding Stande’s outlandish treatment claims” published on his business website and communicated directly to patients.

“Even more concerning is that Stande portrays himself as superior to mainstream health care practitioners and encourages his clients to forgo prescribed medications and adopt his treatment regime,” the HCCC said.

“The Commission is concerned that vulnerable members of the public suffering from complex medical and mental health conditions may make detrimental health care decisions based on Stande’s advice.

“The Commission has concerns that Stande is not willing to seriously reflect on his practice and has no insight into the limitations of his training and qualifications and his competence to treat serious illnesses.

“Stande’s lack of insight coupled with his dishonesty and misplaced confidence in his abilities as a health practitioner render him a significant risk to the health and safety of the public.