The Free State Department of Health urged the public to refrain from circulating content on social media without verifying allegations. This could have dire consequences that could lead to public panic or jail time for those who are at the forefront of sharing.
According to the spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, fake news reduces the levels of trust and belief in hospitals and clinics. He encouraged anyone who would like to issue a complaint to follow the correct procedures so that their concerns can be investigated accordingly.
“It is illegal to spread false and fake news and it’s punishable by law. Some people who take pictures of other patients without their consent are violating patient confidentiality and privacy. That invasion of privacy can lead to court cases, fines or jail time,” he expressed.
the public after the post went viral.
Mvambi used a recent case as a point of reference to explain the dangers of spreading misleading information.
According to a Facebook post, a baby was allegedly “stolen” at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital. He explained that the husband of a patient made the claim. Meanwhile, it was a case of an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilised egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. The patient felt violated as it was an invasion of her privacy.
“This placed enormous pressure on the nurses and doctors whilst unduly seriously denting the image of the facility. Our intervention measure is to educate the patient about ectopic pregnancy and urge them not to spread false information out of frustration, ignorance and anger,” he expressed.
He added that one of the most common types of fake health news or complaints that causes unnecessary panic is that there is no medicine in hospitals and clinics, and patient neglect.
“Sometimes, some patients or their next of kin take pictures of patients without concern and put them on social media with misleading information based on their own limited understanding of the chosen path of care of a particular patient,” he explained.
Mvambi added that this may lead to tension as patients feel like they are not being treated with dignity and respect. “We know that some nurses and some doctors don’t wear their name tags. So it becomes hard to verify the allegations that are made by patients. The generalisation that goes with negative experiences of patients weighs on the reputation and integrity of our health facilities down,” he concluded.
How to lodge a complaint, compliment or suggestions:
- Landline: 051 408 1302 or 051 408 1345
- Cell Phone Lines: 082 618 9867, 083 233 5109 or 083 233 9401
- This service is strictly available during office hours (07:30 – 16:00 from Monday to Friday).
- You can also contact the Free State Department of Health Communications, check and verify information at your local clinic, or follow the Free State Department of Health on Facebook.
Gypseenia Lion
