Shiyan, China — A traditional Chinese medicine clinic in the heart of the Wudang Mountain Tourism Special Economic Zone is at the center of scrutiny after its treatment, advertised as a “secret remedy” for cancer, was linked to the deaths of at least 15 people and deteriorating health conditions in 20 others. The Yaowang Valley Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic was closed on May 31, following a swift investigation by local health and market regulation authorities, barely over a month after it began operations on April 18.
In reaction to mounting complaints from distressed families, authorities levied a fine of 417,000 yuan (approximately $57,000) against the clinic for engaging in illegal medical practices and deceptive advertising. Although no arrests have been made, the case has been shifted to the local public security bureau for deeper investigation. The clinic’s advocates, including its founder Wu Pengfei and Hou Yuanxiang, a self-described “anti-cancer master” without medical credentials and with a history of legal issues concerning counterfeit drugs, are now in the eye of this storm.
The clinic’s promotional strategies, prominently featured through videos on WeChat and Douyin, assured viewers of its capability to cure any cancer, rapidly drawing hundreds from across the country. These patients, fueled by hope and desperation, paid staggering fees ranging from 14,900 to 16,900 yuan monthly, depending on their chosen practitioner.
One such patient, Wang Xiaobo, a 53-year-old diagnosed with liver cancer, embarked on a grueling 1,200-kilometer journey from Qingdao to the clinic after his family encountered these optimistic promotions online. After an alarmingly brief consultation, Wang was prescribed the clinic’s “secret” concoction, claimed to be formulated by Hou himself. However, the hope for a miracle cure quickly turned to despair as Wang began to suffer from severe side-effects, leading to his subsequent hospitalization and death due to liver-related complications.
The treatment was linked with a multitude of severe side effects across different cases, with symptoms including diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and even critical conditions such as cardiac paralysis in some instances. This alarming pattern triggered further outrage and heartache among the families, prompting them to seek accountability through official channels.
A detailed probe revealed the pronounced toxicity in the clinic’s “secret remedy,” primarily composed of fuzi or aconite root, a potent herb notorious for its lethal potential if not administered correctly. Former clinic doctor Liu Yilan, whose medical license has been suspended, revealed the dangerous misuse of this ingredient under the guise of treatment, risking many lives.
With 392 patients treated in its short operational span, and a harrowing toll of 15 deaths plus numerous others suffering aggravated conditions, the clinic’s practices underscore a harrowing breach in regulatory and ethical standards. The investigation continues as authorities and grieving families seek justice and answers, hoping to prevent such tragedies in the future. This incident has ignited a broader debate on the oversight of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly practices exploiting vulnerable patients for financial gain under the pretense of groundbreaking cures.