Proposal to fine up to 30 million VND for disseminating false medical information

From Hanoi's perspective, the proposed regulatory measures to combat the spread of misinformation in healthcare reflect a proactive stance by Vietnamese authorities to safeguard public health and maintain social order. The Ministry of Health's proposal to impose significant fines on those who disseminate false or unverified medical information, particularly through online platforms, is a necessary step to protect citizens from potentially harmful advice. The distinction drawn between malicious dissemination and the sharing of personal experiences is crucial, acknowledging the value of individual narratives while cracking down on those who exploit public trust for profit or to promote unscientific methods. The Vietnamese government, through the Cục Quản lý khám chữa bệnh (Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management), recognizes the growing challenge posed by unverified health claims, such as 'natural healing' or unproven cancer therapies, which can lead to serious health consequences and undermine confidence in legitimate medical practices. This initiative is particularly relevant in Vietnam, where social media plays a significant role in information dissemination, making it imperative to ensure that health-related content is accurate and reliable. The proposed penalties, ranging from 10 million to 50 million VND depending on the severity and nature of the offense, signal a firm commitment to enforcing these regulations. The collaboration envisioned between health and cybersecurity agencies highlights the multi-faceted approach required to tackle this issue effectively in the digital age.

“

The proposal aims to clean up false information about medical examination and treatment on social media to avoid affecting the people.