Tagaloa Dr Robert Thompson, the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, has warned the public about health misinformation circulated online using artificial intelligence.
In the smartphone and social media era, this issue is slowly reaching every household, especially those with little knowledge about specific illnesses and the appropriate cures.
In an interview with media members yesterday, Tagaloa stated that verification is crucial when encountering such content.
The internet is not always the most reliable source for health symptom information; search results often produce inaccuracies.
I advise everyone to be aware of this. Before applying it to any sickness, check with a doctor, nurse, or health specialist for confirmation to avoid causing additional problems.
Artificial intelligence has promoted the use of natural remedies, which can be beneficial. However, until their safety has been verified, it is best not to adopt them immediately.
Despite being unable to control the spread of health tips on social media platforms, the Deputy Director General emphasised that the ministry is trying its best to use available technology to spread factual information about what the country’s citizens need to understand regarding their wellbeing.
Furthermore, Tagaloa understands that, in addition to AI, some people in Samoa have spread false statements about treatments they believe are relevant.
The Ministry of Health has the authority to sue any member of the public who misleads people with unverified health advice, especially when it results in a serious situation.
Back in 2019, during the measles outbreak in Samoa, the Prime Minister at the time, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, ordered the arrest of Mr Fritz Alai’asa for deceiving people with his alternative healing method, an alkaline water known as Kangen Water, to treat patients.
The Ministry of Health prioritises the wellbeing of the public, especially concerning critical conditions, when people tend to turn away from professional specialists and seek help from Google and online healers.
