Eight Dutch doctors and psychologists who have been barred from practicing medicine are still active in the alternative circuit in the Netherlands.

An independent Dutch television programme RTL Nieuws revealed that the seven of the eight had their own practice. The eighth teaches at a university.

One of the eight is the doctor who treated actress Sylvia Millicam. When the actress died of cancer, alternative medicine came under considerable criticism for allegedly misleading her and preventing her from going to regular doctors.

Sylvia Millicam's doctor calls himself a "natural healer" and still treats patients.

Altogether, 30 people have been banned from practicing medicine in the Netherlands, many of them for medical blunders or having sexual relationships with their patients.

In response to the programme Health Minister Ab Klink says he will change the law so that people who have been struck off the list cannot continue to practice in alternative medicine.

Photo: Flickr Wenzday