I'm not aware of the situation there in the first world but here in the third world countries like mine, situation is not good. Inflation and lack of education are two big reasons that lead the majority go for cheaper medical options. I know many villages where there is not a single M.B.B.S doctor available. These villages consist of at least 1000 homes with at least 8 family members in each.Quacks are respected as doctors in these areas. According to World Bank, 61% of Pakistan's population consists of rural area. So you can imagine the number of villages and quacks working in these areas as doctors. Now, my point is, despite all the internet facilities and access to the research based-articles, the vast majority does not have the required awareness to differentiate the good from the bad because there is too much info online, and offline, these quacks are considered the authority figures. Governments keep spreading the right message but it's not effective as it could have been in the presence of quacks. A better option could have been a crackdown on these quacks but that is not possible because governments don't want to take the responsibility of providing medical facilities in the villages. So, in a way they are partner in this crime.

However, I'm also from the same country and continuously reading your articles. At least I can share this info with my family. So, the scenario is not as hopeless as it apparently seems. Excellent post @suesa.

Steem On!