Australian woman dies 36 days after 'bogus' cure

A woman died after a Stirling "doctor" gave her a bogus cancer cure, a parliamentary committee heard yesterday.

The Social Development Committee hearing into unregistered and deregistered doctors took evidence from Shirley O'Donnell, whose daughter Shannon died 36 days after receiving "ozone treatment", in 2003, from a man known as Lubo Bitelco.

Ms O'Donnell was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003 and went to Mr Bitelco after hearing from a friend about his treatments.

He promised her a "50 per cent cure" after giving her a treatment known as "vaginal blowing" during which she had to move up and down on the bed saying "Oh, Boy", Mrs O'Donnell said.

The coroner found Ms O'Donnell had died from sepsis and that it was unclear whether the infection was from the treatment or whether the cancer was responsible.

Mrs O'Donnell said she understood Mr Bitelco was still practising. "I hope something is going to be done to stop him," she said.