The Health Professions Councils of Namibia (HPCNA) has warned health practitioners against spreading misinformation on the COVID-19 pandemic, saying such conduct poses risks to patients.
The HPCNA in a media statement on Wednesday said it has learned with great concern that some registered health practitioners are spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccination roll-out and promoting treatment not supported by the best available evidence.
Health practitioners, it said, are respected members of the community and their opinion about health are valued by the public and as such, misinformation by them about COVID-19, the vaccine or therapy may therefore be detrimental to the health of the Namibian people and should be avoided at all costs.
“The HPCNA expects all registered practitioners to act with honesty and integrity and not to spread misinformation which may compromise patient safety. Some healthcare practitioners may have a strong personal view about COVID-19 and the vaccine, but they must provide factual information to patients and recommend the most effective therapy based on the best available evidence,” the statement reads.
HPCNA further reminded all registered health practitioners of their ethical and professional obligation to protect and promote the health of patients and the public and to support all efforts aimed at curbing the spread of infections.
“Any registered healthcare professional found peddling misinformation about COVID-19, the vaccine and/or therapy will be charged with unprofessional conduct and if found guilty, punished in terms of the law,” it warned.
The HPCNA advised that all new ideas about measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 and the management of patients must be discussed with the relevant authorities through appropriate channels and in a professional manner.
“During this trying time, HPCNA appreciates the tireless efforts of all registered health care professionals in dealing with pandemic and urge public members to adhere to all measures that are put in place to curb the spread of the infection. There is evidence suggesting how effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines are and the HPCNA is encouraging members of the public to get vaccinated,” it concluded.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
