I'm a literature student not a medic, but it is obvious to me that it is Pat Rattigan who is living in a "fantasy world". If he hates modern medicine so much, then he is free to refuse to be treated with it.
The increase in some illnesses is a result of the decline in many other common diseases, which has left us prey to what were previously minor maladies. On top of that, changes in society and the environment are causing an increase in diseases caused by pollution and so on.
Thomas Larque
Kent University