France Takes Action on Sectarian Risks in Healthcare with New Partnership

The government and Ligue contre le cancer are finalizing a partnership to address the rise of unregulated alternative therapies in health institutions, as Miviludes reports escalating public health dangers.

Reports of sectarian deviations in France have more than doubled since 2015, with health and well-being now accounting for 37% of cases, surpassing spiritual and coaching sectors.
Miviludes has identified the proliferation of alternative therapies like Reiki and magnétisme in public healthcare settings, often lacking medical oversight.
Fatal outcomes linked to dangerous practices, such as urinotherapy and extreme fasting, have been reported, particularly affecting vulnerable cancer patients.
In 2024, Miviludes escalated its legal response, submitting 45 cases to prosecutors, up from 20 in 2021, targeting pseudo-therapists operating without recognized qualifications.
A new partnership between the government and Ligue contre le cancer aims to secure patient care and combat sectarian practices in alternative cancer treatments.