Fake medical content on social media unhealthy for India: IMA

Over the last decade, the social media has turned out to be the preferred method of communicating and exchanging ideas among the younger generation. It is a tool that fosters user-generated content too. But slowly the platform has started throwing a challenge for both the law enforcement agencies as well as the doctors. The latest challenge is related to the circulation of wrong/false information about various diseases and their treatment. These messages are making people to refrain themselves from availing the real treatment for their ailments. 

Indian Medical Association has expressed its concern on the matter and says that it will ask the government and social media companies to take appropriate steps to stop the circulation of fake medical content on the platform. "Government should pay attention to the issue and we will request the government and social media platforms to have a control on these messages are stopping people from getting a treatment of their problems", says Dr RN Tandon, Secretary-General, IMA. 

Here is a list of fake medical content:

Biopsy leads to Cancer: A fake medical post claims that biopsy turns a tumour into cancer. 

Sanitary napkins are killing: A different post says that 56 girls have died due to the use of sanitary napkins. 

Process to avoid breast cancer: The latest example of such a fake medical content circulating on social media is related to breast cancer. The post suggests that breast cancer can be avoided by covering their breast completely while moving out in sunlight. It also asks women to avoid wearing a black bra during the summer season. There is a quantum increase in the flow of this content after actress Sonali Bendre revealed that she is suffering from cancer. 

"Circulation of fake messages on social media is turning up to be a big challenge. Earlier, the print media was a source of such irrelevant messages, which were used to create an illusion among people. Several misconceptions are being spread on social media like the vaccine can lead to problems and the tablet has a virus that will cause serious viral infection to a person. Such pieces of information are being circulated as an advertisement on WhatsApp," says Dr RN Tandon, Secretary-General, IMA. 

Dr Tandon says, "People should consult a concerned doctor to get rid of the misinformation related to the medicine like a message claims that breast abscess can lead to cancer. These confusions are enough to disturb a person. Breast abscess is a common problem but such messages may create a trouble for a person." 

These fake messages are troubling people as well as the medical professionals and thus people should consult a doctor in case of confusion. 

Earlier in 2017, similar rumours were being shared on WhatsApp and Facebook. The post was urging parents not to get their children vaccinated against measles and rubella (German Measles) as they can make their children sick or impotent. That was a reason that the many parents refused to get their children vaccinated against the two diseases. 

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There were fake messages related to vaccination with a claim that they will sterilize their children and may lead to some neurological disease. On one hand, we want 100 per cent coverage of the programme but the circulation of fake messages will directly harm the country. As such reports are not backed by any scientific data", says Dr BB Gupta, General Physician. He added, "people should consult their family doctors before taking a decision related to the messages as he is the only person who can guide you in a true sense".