More than 20 million Yemenis lack access to basic medical care due to years of conflict, severe funding shortages, and the collapse of the healthcare system. As a result, many patients are turning to alternative sources. For instance, Jaleelah Abdul Hameed, diagnosed with liver cancer, initially sought help from a local herbal medicine center after doctors misdiagnosed her and prescribed ineffective treatment. She used a mixture of ground leaves and honey for months, but her condition worsened significantly. Similarly, Raqeeb Sultan, suffering from stomach pain linked to Helicobacter pylori, tried a herbal remedy after eight months of prescribed medication provided no relief. He reported feeling better, and subsequent tests showed no sign of the bacteria. However, medical experts caution against such practices. Dr. Adel, an internal medicine specialist, noted that symptoms can fluctuate, and herbal practitioners often lack formal training, relying on anecdotal evidence. Many patients who rely on these remedies end up back in hospital in a worse condition because they delayed seeking proper care or did not follow doctors’ instructions.
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