A resident of Mogilev posted a video on TikTok about how she allegedly came to the clinic at 5 am and saw a line at the registration desk. The video went viral on social networks and caught the eye of the administration of the medical institution. They reviewed the camera footage and discovered that the video was filmed a few hours later. Now the girl is threatened with criminal charges for discrediting Belarus. Zerkalo told the story of Belarusian TV channel 4 again.
Now the video of the resident of Mogilev has been removed from TikTok, but it is still on social networks of some other resources that reposted it. The film shows that a woman enters Mogilev clinic No. 6, and there is already a queue of visitors at the reception desk.
The clinic administration also saw the video and was shocked. They explained that doctors start seeing people at 7:30, and you can only get inside from 7 in the morning. According to the chief doctor Tatyana Kandakova, recordings were collected from CCTV cameras.
Judging by the surveillance camera data, the woman arrived at the clinic at 7:27 am, not 5 am
A few minutes later she returned, filmed the queue on her phone and went to the lift.
The administration claims that the woman arrived the next day, but there were no queues at the registration desk then. The management of the medical institution complained about the “fake video” to the police. The chief physician believes that this is slander, not only against the sixth clinic, but also “on all health care organizations.”
Senior Assistant Prosecutor for the Mogilev Region Elena Shumeiko He said that in such videos one can see “intentionally spreading false information about the political, economic, social, military or international situation” of Belarus and can be punished under the relevant Article 361-1 of the Code Criminal (Credit of the Republic of Belarus). His sanction provides for up to four years in prison.
Note that queues at Belarusian clinics are a real phenomenon, no matter what time they are closed: videos about them regularly appear on social networks, especially during the ARVI season and before the start of the school year. At the same time, the authors of those videos claim that they are really forced to show up even before the registration desk opens – at five in the morning, or even earlier. Medical officials also acknowledge the problem, but usually shift the blame to the patients themselves. Therefore, according to the former Deputy Minister of Health – Chief State Doctor of Hygiene of Belarus Alexandra Tarasenkoqueues form at the registration desk because “people are used to living like this”:
“Health care is becoming more accessible, but the human factor remains. There is an electronic queue, registration is using coupons. But the patient will still go without signing the coupons, which will trigger a conflict situation for him and those around him,” he insisted.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Medical Ethics Expert Dr. Elena Novikova
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Novikova! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent incident involving a resident of Mogilev and her viral TikTok video about the local clinic. It’s a fascinating case that has stirred quite a debate online and off.
Dr. Elena Novikova: Thank you for having me! It’s definitely a complex situation that highlights several important issues.
Time.news Editor: To set the stage for our readers, can you briefly summarize what happened in Mogilev regarding the TikTok video?
Dr. Novikova: Of course! A woman posted a video claiming that she arrived at a local clinic at 5 am only to find a long line at registration. This video quickly gained traction on social media. However, the clinic reviewed their CCTV footage and found that she actually arrived at 7:27 am, shortly before they began seeing patients at 7:30 am. The administration has since taken action, including reporting her for what they claim is discrediting Belarus, leading to potential criminal charges.
Time.news Editor: That’s quite a significant turn of events. How do you see the implications of this incident for social media and personal accountability?
Dr. Novikova: This case underscores the responsibility that individuals have when sharing content online. While social media offers a platform for expression, it can also easily distort reality, as we see with the woman’s altered portrayal of wait times at the clinic. On the flip side, we must also consider the potential repercussions that can arise from sharing unverified information, especially in a politically sensitive environment like Belarus.
Time.news Editor: Exactly. The fear of discrediting the state is a harsh reality for many in regions with stringent laws against dissent. Do you think the authorities are overstepping by pursuing criminal charges over this video?
Dr. Novikova: The threat of criminal charges feels rather draconian, especially given that the video was an expression of frustration commonly felt by many. It raises ethical questions about government overreach and freedom of speech. While disinformation is a real concern, there’s a fine line between addressing misinformation and suppressing voices, particularly when discussing legitimate issues like healthcare access.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned healthcare access, which is a critical point. What do you think this situation reveals about the state of public healthcare in Belarus?
Dr. Novikova: It certainly shines a light on the challenges many face regarding access to healthcare services. Long wait times can be an indication of systemic healthcare issues, and highlighting these problems can sometimes lead to constructive dialog. However, the way this situation has unfolded could deter individuals from speaking out about their experiences, fearing they might face similar consequences.
Time.news Editor: That’s a troubling thought. Social media is often seen as a tool for social change. In your opinion, how can citizens use it more responsibly to highlight issues without fear of backlash?
Dr. Novikova: It’s crucial for citizens to verify facts before sharing them. Engaging with communities, understanding the nuances of local issues, and presenting information in a responsible manner can empower change without inciting unnecessary conflict. Additionally, fostering dialog about healthcare experiences could open channels for improvement rather than alienating individuals from the system.
Time.news Editor: Those are valuable insights, Dr. Novikova. As we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to our readers regarding social media and the healthcare system in Belarus?
Dr. Novikova: I urge readers to think critically about what they consume and share on social media. Both healthcare providers and patients need to cultivate an environment of transparency and accountability. We must always strive for improvement in our systems and ensure dialog remains open, even in the face of challenges. When voicing concerns, it’s equally important to foster understanding rather than fear.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Novikova, for sharing your expertise on this pressing issue. It’s been enlightening, and I hope it encourages more constructive conversations about healthcare and social media in Belarus and beyond.
Dr. Novikova: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic!