“This pill is the best choice Patient Jim Bob,” smiled Dr. Robertson.
Suddenly an intercom-enriched voice spoke, “Actually, the other pill is the right one.”
The bewildered patient looked down to see a medication now sitting in his hand. Without hesitation, he swallowed it and waited.
Is this picture too far removed from reality? Let’s explore it and find out.
Medical Misinformation Bill
Can we really call it ‘medical advice’ when a physician is required to withhold certain knowledge?
After all, we trust that all the facts and options are being presented when we sit across from doctors. Well now our neighbor to the north must address these patient concerns.
Bill 36 – The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) was approved on November 24th by the Canadian legislature and royal family. It will become law once their Cabinet finalizes it.
Centered around medical misinformation, there are a few glaring areas to point out:
- Suspension for opinions contrary to federal medical authorities
- Prison terms up to two years and fines up to $200,000 (individual) or $500,000 (company)
- Warrantless search and seizures of their items
- Mandatory vaccination to continue practicing
Self-censorship will be the natural result among practitioners.
I’m no prophet. But considering this recent news, I can logically offer possible consequences once it becomes active.
Effects of Policing Online Medical Misinformation
What is the number of doctors who will be held accountable to this legislation?
- According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, there were 92,173 practicing physicians in 2020
One helpful medium for these experts to share information has become infamous for silencing opposing views around COVID-19. Governments across the world are taking it upon themselves to label medical misinformation on social media.
Here’s why it’s concerning for patients across their country:
- An article from The College of Family Physicians of Canada noted that there’s already an expected shortage of family doctors
They state the outcome will likely be three fold:
- Reduced access to care
- Poor health outcomes
- Decreased efficiency of the overall health system
Now, let’s get to some solutions for those who want well-rounded medical advice.
How To Survive the Medical Misinformation Mess
The following applies to patients and providers alike:
- Seek out healthcare content writing that promotes non-mainstream information
- Conduct your own research before agreeing to recommended care paths
- Pay attention to your intuition
Free will is a gift from God, and you should exercise it even if you don’t believe in Him. You have one life and one body. Remember that the next time you are faced with a medical decision.
Trust that inner voice.
Actual Medical Misinformation Examples
Unpopular opinion time.
Despite what certain government-sponsored physicians say, no vaccine is completely safe. To say otherwise is intentional negligence.
It’d be like stating any medication you take will work 100% of the time.
If that were true, why are non-vaccine manufacturers legally obligated to state risks at the end of their advertising?
And finally, I’d like to offer one practical solution for your healthcare business.
Elijah Wordsmith Clearing Up Medical Misinformation
Clients of mine are U.S. based, but I’m nonetheless more committed to protecting their freedom of speech in lieu of this news.
My medical content writing business is the megaphone for your private practice that’s focused on natural health options.
Based in the US, project management software and marketing tools allow me to consistently meet your deadlines and exceed expectations.
Elijah Wordsmith content writing “verbalizes” the more individualized care current and prospective patients receive from your compassionate hands.
Let’s discuss your main content marketing goal and move your holistic medical practice towards standing out online!