A Sikh TV channel in Birmingham has been caught by the broadcasting watchdog for allowing a healer to claim he could treat cancer.
Ofcom said parts, shown on Sikh TV, breached its rules around protecting viewers from harm by failing to say they should contact a GP before taking homeopathic remedies.
The watchdog said in its ruling: “The presenter claimed to be able to treat a serious of illnesses and conditions, including cancer, schizophrenia, heart conditions and Parkinson’s disease.
“He directly addressed viewers who were unwell, and therefore potentially vulnerable, and encouraged them to make appointments to see him.”
The channel also broke the rules by allowing contact numbers for the presenter’s own business to be broadcast.
The offending slot was shown on the Sikh Channel at 4pm on June 7 last year.
Presenter of the channel encouraged sick and ‘vulnerable’ callers to book appointments at clinics in Birmingham, Manchester and Milton Keynes.
He urged viewers with a wide spectrum of problems to call him with “any question regarding any physical, mental or emotional issues”.
The presenter also told callers “alternative treatments” could be used to cure infertility problems, phobias of flying and illnesses like breast cancer or cystitis.
In relation to lung problems, the healer stated that inhalers given by doctors were only “temporary” and that to cure medical issues permanently, “you have to come and meet us”.
Once the Sikh Channel was made aware of the complaint, further programmes featuring the healer were pulled, Ofcom said.
The regulator said it recognised the steps taken and reminded the channel of its role to ensure broadcasts “adhere to the code”.
