How ‘doc-influencers’ lead the fight against health misinformation in India

If you're someone who spends a lot of time on social media, it's likely that you have come across videos and Reels telling you how lying on one's right side before conception guarantees a female child or why paracetamol is the world’s most dangerous medicine.

Self-proclaimed experts—ranging from religious figures and unqualified practitioners to popular podcasters—often promote "wonder cures" lacking scientific evidence. Compounding the problem, a 2019 survey in the U.S. revealed that 72 percent of people now turn to the internet as their primary source for health-related information and advice.

This environment breeds rampant health misinformation. In India, the problem is exacerbated by the widespread acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine, even among some doctors. A report published in a leading international journal of peer-reviewed research Science has shown that on social media, falsehoods "spread significantly farther, faster, deeper, and more broadly than the truth," amplifying the challenge of combating health-related myths.

Dr. Parth Sharma, researcher and founder of public health advocacy website Nivarana, said, "Misinformation spreads easily because creators connect with viewers' sociocultural aspects and beliefs."

A survey of 1,500 urban Indians by The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) Media showed that 64 percent follow online health advice, yet 62 percent don't know how to identify credible information, and 59 percent fear falling prey to misinformation. However, recent studies suggest that social media can also act as a support network and promote positive information-seeking behaviors.

Their goal is two-fold: improving health literacy and correcting misinformation while helping people understand the science behind human physiology.

Fighting for science

Cardiologist Dr. Paramjeet Singh Maras, with over 163k Instagram followers and 2.7 million YouTube subscribers, has built a strong social media presence through engaging reels and videos. He uses quick cuts and humor in short videos to debunk false claims point by point. Dr. Singh prioritizes topics based on their potential harm, stating that anti-vaccine narratives are more dangerous than myths like lemon water aiding weight loss.

Speaking to Logically Facts, he said, “Home remedies and natural treatments are common sources of misinformation, which is why I began my mission to correct the narrative. For the past 4-5 years, I've focused on teaching the basics of disease and medicine."

One of his Instagram Reels, with over 707,000 views, debunks the myth that drinking coffee in the morning raises cortisol levels and harms health. Another reel with 126,000 views debunks the myth that ‘ghee’ (clarified butter) is a fat burner. Both reels use quirk and humor to debunk the myths associated with coffee and ghee.

Videos on Dr. Singh’s Instagram page. (Source:dr_amit_bansal_uro/Instagram)

Dr. Amit Bansal, a Chandigarh-based urologist with training from Lok Nayak Hospital, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, and PGI Chandigarh, provides expert advice on men's health and urology. He uses his knowledge to combat misinformation through social media, focusing on debunking dangerous myths. Dr. Bansal highlights that misinformation can cause simple, treatable health problems to escalate, regardless of a patient's background. Through Instagram reels in Hindi, he reaches audiences who might not otherwise have access to accurate medical advice. His videos consistently attract thousands of views.

Videos on Dr. Bansal’s Instagram page. (Source:dr_amit_bansal_uro/Instagram)

Dr. Bansal is one of the very few doctors in India who offer a safe space to the LGBTQ community by offering advice on gender-affirming care and using explainers to educate viewers on topics such as fertility and genital reassignment surgery. 

Explainer videos on YouTube by Dr. Bansal.

Another example of a doctor combating rampant health misinformation online is Dr. Tanushree Pandey Padgaonkar, who, with a following of 206,000, is reshaping the sex education landscape. She addresses common concerns such as ‘Can hickeys kill you?’ and ‘Why do you feel dizzy after sex?’ through informative reels.

These videos play a crucial role in fighting misinformation in a country where 71 percent of youth, aged 13-30 across 17 states have not received any formal sex education from either teachers or parents.

Sex education and gynecology reels by Dr. Padgaonkar. (Source:gynae_guru/Instagram)

Dr. Padgaonkar's reels about sex education and reproductive health, many of which are in Hindi, have millions of views on Instagram.

Other notable ‘doc-influencers’ include Ankit Verma, the founder of the educational platform Bioshala, with nearly 240,000 Instagram followers. As a science communicator, Verma debunks claims related to alternative medicine and, at times, statements made by religious figures.

One of his most popular Reels, with 9.5 million views, addresses a religious guru's claim that mixing soft drinks with mango juice is fatal. Verma disproves this by consuming the combination on camera, demonstrating the absurdity of the claim.

A Reel by Bioshala founder Ankit Verma, who debunks claims related to alternative medicine. (Source: bioshala/Instagram)

Impact on audience

Research shows that directly engaging viewers through social media can effectively address information overload. The Lancet, a leading medical journal, recommends filling "information voids" with accurate content and enhancing web traffic and search engine visibility to improve the reliability of search results.

Dr. Bansal illustrated this impact through a case where a viewer sought his opinion via message on his Instagram profile. The user shared his mother’s kidney stone scans. While the initial diagnosis was clear, Dr. Bansal identified an abnormality in the urinary bladder and advised further testing. This led to the discovery of tumors in the bladder, which, if not detected, could have posed serious risks. This example underscores qualified medical professionals' critical role in providing valuable insights online.

Engagement figures also highlight the influence of medical professionals on social media. For instance, Dr. Maras’ recent 10 Reels collectively attracted approximately 400,000 views, showcasing the broad reach of his content.

Engagement in numbers on Dr. Maras’ recent ten reels on Instagram. Source (Instagram) 

Muhammed Sadiq, a PhD student at IIT Madras studying health misinformation on social media, told Logically Facts, “Doctors can address gaps in accurate information that often emerge with new diseases. By simplifying and disseminating accurate information on social media, doctors can significantly counteract misinformation spread by self-proclaimed experts.”

Dr. Sharma noted the challenges and opportunities in this area: “With people’s attention spans shrinking to just a few seconds, Reels have become an essential tool for spreading accurate information. However, their brevity can lead to incomplete information, which can be as harmful as misinformation itself.” This emphasizes the need for a careful balance between brevity and completeness in delivering content.

Together, these insights illustrate the substantial impact of responsible and trained medical professionals on social media in combating misinformation and providing critical health information.

Regulation of medical news on social media

The Advertising Standards Council of India issued guidelines in 2023 stipulating that influencers sharing health and nutrition information must possess a relevant medical degree, which should be prominently displayed or mentioned at the beginning of posts.

Additionally, the National Medical Commission outlined conduct guidelines for Registered Medical Practitioners on social media in August 2023, including prohibitions on soliciting patients and safeguarding patient privacy by avoiding the posting of personal photos or scans.

Despite existing regulations, adherence remains inconsistent, even among doctors addressing false medical information. Experts like Dr. Maras emphasize that social media platforms need to play a more proactive role in filtering health misinformation. He added, "If they fail to do so, the government must take action against companies that mislead the public and halt their deceptive paid advertisements."

Dr. Sharma advocates for mandatory science communication and medical ethics courses for doctors to ensure the quality of online content. “The pursuit of views or likes should not overshadow the responsibility of creating and sharing scientifically accurate content,” he stated. “Content creators must be held accountable if their material is not scientifically valid and could harm viewers.”

Sadiq also noted that some doctors contribute to misinformation by fear-mongering, promoting alternative medicines, or endorsing harmful products, particularly in the cosmetic industry.

As the digital landscape evolves, it is imperative for medical professionals and credible voices to continue their efforts in providing accurate health information. Their role is crucial in navigating and addressing the complex issue of health misinformation, ensuring that the public receives reliable and scientifically valid guidance.

(Edited by Nabeela Khan and Nitish Rampal)