As we observe World Health Day this year, there’s an urgent call for introspection – not just from doctors, public health experts, or policymakers – but from the gatekeepers of information: media editors.
In India, the way health content is produced, especially by mainstream and regional media, is deeply concerning. Every day, we come across numerous misleading health claims originating from media platforms that are otherwise considered credible. These claims might make for catchy headlines, but they can cost the life of a person who reads and follows it.
Of the numerous health claims we’ve seen over the past year, nearly 30 per cent originated from media articles, regional TV shows, or social media posts referencing news clippings. Alarmingly, 4 out of every 10 claims came from regional-language media, where fact-checking protocols are almost non-existent, and editorial oversight on health reporting is minimal.
The larger issue lies in how health journalism is perceived within newsrooms. Health content is often treated as “soft” content – something that sits beside astrology columns, food recipes, or lifestyle tips. In reality, it is public service information. When health reporting goes wrong, it doesn’t just mislead – it endangers. It can delay diagnosis, promote unscientific treatments, discourage vaccination, and in some cases, cost lives.
The problem is amplified in rural India, where doctor-patient ratios are as low. In such places, people rely heavily on local newspapers, radio shows, or WhatsApp forwards rooted in media headlines. A single inaccurate story in a local dialect can influence the behavior of thousands.
Meanwhile, in many media houses, fresh graduates – some barely a year out of college – are assigned to health beats with little to no training in medical reporting. In the age of generative AI, these writers are often instructed to “spin” content scraped from the internet, including blogs, forums, and viral social media posts. Without the tools or knowledge to verify health facts, they end up spreading misinformation unintentionally. Worse still, they’re given pageview targets, pushing them to sensationalise headlines: “This common fruit can cure cancer” or “Doctors don’t want you to know this weight loss secret.” These headlines are not rare – they’re rampant.
Add to that the growing trend of promoting celebrities and influencers as health authorities. From weight-loss tips to skincare routines to anti-vaccine statements, Indian media has often given a platform to individuals with no medical qualifications simply because they are popular. But health is not a popularity contest. Would you trust an actor to perform surgery? Then why trust them for health advice?
We understand that today’s media is under pressure. Revenue is falling, competition is intense, and digital algorithms reward clicks – not accuracy. But health content should not be the scapegoat for survival tactics. One sensational story may give you a viral moment; one incorrect medical claim can damage lives permanently.
This World Health Day, let us urge every editor – whether in print, digital, TV, or radio – to make a commitment:
- Appoint trained reporters for health beats.
- Vet every health story with a medical expert.
- Avoid publishing AI-generated content without expert review.
- Never give health advice space to someone without a valid medical background.
- Prioritise credibility over clickbait.
The media has immense power in shaping public perception. With great power comes even greater responsibility – especially when it concerns public health.
India is already facing a health literacy crisis. Let us not deepen it by becoming accidental spreaders of health misinformation. Let’s become part of the solution instead.
Because when the media chooses to inform accurately, it doesn’t just report the news – it saves lives.