Verify information under pressure of speed.
Open your phone and scroll through Facebook, TikTok, or Zalo, and in an instant, you'll encounter a plethora of health-related advertisements, from medications and dietary supplements to treatments presented as "effective," "safe," or "recommended by experts."
For those who frequently search for or are interested in a specific health issue, similar content often appears more frequently on social media platforms. Amidst the vast amount of information presented in various forms, many people struggle to distinguish between accurate information, exaggerated advertising, or unverified information.
Many online content sources use images of experts, medical facilities, or quote scientific studies to increase credibility, leading viewers to believe and follow the advice. There have been numerous cases where people have purchased products, used services, or chosen medical facilities based on information circulating on social media, only to find the results were not as expected, or even worse, they lost money and suffered health problems.
In this context, the role of mainstream journalism becomes even more important. Beyond providing accurate health information, the press also contributes to verifying, refuting, and warning against misinformation, helping people access and choose reliable information.
According to Thu Hien, a reporter for Tuoi Tre Newspaper ( Ho Chi Minh City), healthcare is a unique field because every piece of information published not only impacts public awareness but can also directly affect people's behavior and health. Therefore, the pressure on reporters is not simply to deliver news quickly, but also to ensure the accuracy of the information. Especially with issues related to epidemics, vaccines, or medical incidents, verifying information is always a top priority.
According to Ms. Thu Hien, to avoid causing public panic, reporters must cross-reference information from multiple sources, including management agencies, medical facilities, and professional experts. “When working at hospitals or disease hotspots, reporters often face many difficulties due to information confidentiality regulations. In addition, data and the development of the epidemic are constantly changing, requiring writers to be flexible in handling situations. Building and maintaining independent sources of information plays a very important role,” Ms. Thu Hien shared.
Sharing the same view, Ms. Kim Dung, a reporter from the Voice of Vietnam, believes that caution is a mandatory requirement when reporting on sensitive issues such as deaths, medical incidents, or issues related to epidemics. Much initial information often only reflects one side of the story, so reporters need to take the time to verify and cross-reference with medical facilities, authorities, and relevant parties before publishing.
"In the healthcare sector, if unverified information is hastily published, it can cause misunderstandings and public panic. Once misinformation spreads, it is very difficult to completely rectify the consequences," said Ms. Kim Dung.
According to reporter Nhat Thanh of Nhan Dan Newspaper, healthcare is a field that requires journalists to constantly update their professional knowledge. Understanding medical terminology, examination and treatment procedures, and healthcare policies helps reporters access issues more quickly and convey information to the public accurately and understandably.
"In the healthcare field, the biggest pressure isn't about being the fastest news reporter, but about being the most accurate. Articles based on official sources and expert opinions not only help people understand the issues correctly but also contribute to protecting public health," reporter Nhat Thanh shared.
A bridge between the healthcare sector and the people.
Beyond simply providing information, the press also acts as a bridge between the healthcare sector and the public, contributing to the dissemination of professional recommendations, disease prevention knowledge, and health policies to the community in an easily understandable and accessible manner.
Associate Professor, Doctor of Medicine Nguyen Vu Trung, Director of the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, believes that inaccurate information often preys on people's anxiety, especially in situations related to epidemics, vaccinations, or emerging health issues.
"Without timely guidance, this information can erode public trust in professional recommendations, affect access to healthcare services, and increase the risk of disease spread in the community. Therefore, in addition to professional work, the health sector is increasingly focusing on risk communication, providing quick, accurate, and easily accessible information to the public," Mr. Trung shared.
According to Mr. Trung, the experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as many other disease outbreaks, shows that mainstream media plays an extremely important role in communication. “The press has become an effective bridge between the health sector and the people. In the work of disease prevention and control and protecting public health, the press is not only a channel for transmitting information, but also a force in raising awareness and changing people's behavior,” Mr. Trung emphasized.
In addition, the press has played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about vaccination, nutrition, childcare, and disease prevention and control to the community. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy, Deputy Head of the Social Work Department at Children's Hospital 2, stated: “Through advisory columns, reports, and media programs in the press, many parents have become more proactive in monitoring their children's health, taking them for early check-ups when there are unusual signs, and adhering to treatment guidelines.”
Furthermore, according to Ms. Thuy, many programs supporting underprivileged child patients have been effectively implemented through coordination between hospitals, media outlets, and the community. "For example, Children's Hospital 2, thanks to the voice of the media, has effectively implemented many programs to support disadvantaged child patients, contributing to better treatment opportunities for these children and reducing the burden on their families," Ms. Thuy shared.
In addition, the press contributes to building a transparent information environment by detecting and warning against acts of exploiting medical information or charitable activities for personal gain.
Associate Professor, Doctor of Medicine Nguyen Vu Trung stated: “With the rapid development of technology and AI, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between true and false information. Therefore, the press needs to continue to play its role in guiding public opinion, providing accurate, scientific, and reliable information to the people. This is an important foundation for building social trust and improving the effectiveness of public health protection.”
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/la-chan-giua-bao-thong-tin-suc-khoe-20260621152738286.htm
![[Image] National conference summarizing one year of operation of the overall organizational model of the political system, the three-tiered government model.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/07/01/1782882811691_ndo_br_1-jpg.webp)
