Sask. NDP and ALS society calling on province to investigate Moose Jaw health centre

The Opposition NDP in Saskatchewan, along with the province’s ALS Society, are urging Minister of Health Jeremy Cockrill to launch an investigation into the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Center in Moose Jaw. The center, run by Dr. Dayan Goodenowe, has been in the spotlight after claims that his supplements can stop and reverse the progression of ALS, a devastating disease with no known cure.

Last week, CBC reported that Dr. Goodenowe tells patients with ALS that his supplements can halt the progress of the disease, with some patients reporting feeling better on his program. However, critics, including the NDP and ALS Society, argue that there is no scientific evidence to support Goodenowe’s claims, and that ALS is universally considered a death sentence.

Goodenowe charges ALS clients a hefty $75,000 US for a three-month live-in treatment program. Despite his assurances that his supplements can improve ALS symptoms, some patients who have participated in his program have reported no improvement in their condition.

The NDP and ALS Society have raised concerns about vulnerable individuals being misled by promises of false hope in exchange for profit. They have called on Minister Cockrill to take action to prevent businesses from preying on those facing incurable diseases.

In response to these concerns, Minister Cockrill stated that the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Center is a private business with no ties to the Saskatchewan health care system. He emphasized that Goodenowe is not a licensed medical doctor and therefore does not fall under any health regulatory body.

However, critics argue that there may be a legal loophole that allows individuals without medical credentials to offer medical services, which could potentially be a violation of Saskatchewan’s Medical Profession Act. They have called for further investigation to determine if additional legislation is needed to protect vulnerable individuals.

Despite the minister’s assertion that no Saskatchewan residents living with ALS have accessed Goodenowe’s services, concerns remain as Goodenowe plans to expand his operations in Moose Jaw with the Moose Jaw Vitality Project, a $100 million community health initiative. The project includes plans for multiple facilities, including a cafe and a supplement manufacturing facility.

The ALS Society has cautioned Saskatchewan’s ALS patients to avoid Goodenowe and his facility until a full investigation can be conducted. They are also calling on Moose Jaw city council to closely monitor Goodenowe’s plans and ensure that no approvals are granted until the situation is thoroughly investigated.

As the controversy surrounding the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Center continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Minister Cockrill will take action to address the concerns raised by the opposition and ALS Society. In the meantime, individuals affected by ALS are urged to exercise caution and seek evidence-based treatments from reputable sources.