Nghe An warns people about advertisements of 'ghost' medical facilities

On June 9, Nghe An Department of Health issued Official Dispatch No. 2340/SYT-NVY on strengthening management and transparency of information when posting medical examination and treatment services on social networks to Nghe An Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and relevant agencies.basemedical examination and treatment in and out of public hospitals in Nghe An province.

The document clearly states: Currently, on social networks there is a lot of advertising information and introductions about medical examination services,cureand health care, including many false contents, exaggerated effects, causing misunderstandings for people, affecting the reputation of the health sector and the rights of patients. Some individuals and organizations take advantage of social networks to promote unlicensed services, causing serious consequences for people's health.

Faced with the above situation, the Department of Health requested the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to direct press agencies in the province to step up propaganda to help people choose medical facilities with full information published transparently, clearly, licensed to operate (Name of facility; Address; License number issued by the Department of Health or Ministry of Health) and have information confirming advertising content.

People do not use medical examination and treatment services with advertisements of unknown origin, lacking legal basis, containing sensational headlines, or idolizing treatment methods, especially advertisements for chronic disease treatment, the best results, and commitments to complete cure.

The Department of Health recommends that public and non-public medical examination and treatment facilities, when posting any information related to medical examination and treatment services, health care or professional consultation on social networks (Facebook, Zalo, Tiktok, YouTube, Website...), must attach full information of the unit including: Name of facility, Address; License number issued by the Department of Health or Ministry of Health; absolutely do not use images or statements of doctors and medical staff to advertise in a misleading manner, not true to the nature of the profession.

Public and non-public medical examination and treatment facilities are only allowed to advertise contents that have been confirmed by competent authorities in accordance with the provisions of the Advertising Law and the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment. Any advertising that does not comply with the regulations will be strictly handled according to the law.

With this Official Letter, people need to be wise in choosing reputable and legal medical examination, treatment and health care facilities. The sign to recognize whether this facility is legal or not is that the facility must have and post full and transparent information, especially the Operating License Number issued by the Department of Health or the Ministry of Health.