The employees of the children’s hospital rely on the fact that the prosecutor’s office will carry out a thorough assessment of the situation, because, taking into account the interests of the public, the decision is particularly important, confirmed Signe Koritko, head of the Legal and Procurement Department of BKUS.
She emphasizes that the false statements of Mednis and others published on social media significantly harm the reputation of the Children’s Hospital and the medical profession. At the same time, they influence a part of the public who listens to this type of announcements, believing that Mednis is making medically justified claims. This, in turn, undermines trust in the health care system as a whole and offends the honor and science-based traditions of the medical profession, she said.
The hospital evaluates the refusal from the VP to initiate criminal proceedings negatively, but at the same time, the hospital trusts that the prosecutor’s office carries out careful monitoring of compliance with the law and responds to violations of the law, respecting the interests of the public as a whole and acting on its behalf, the representative of BKUS stated.
Koritko informed that the hospital will act according to the situation and is determined to make every person responsible for their actions.
At the same time, the LETA agency clarified that the Latvian Association of Physicians (LAB) will decide on the cancellation of Medņas’s certificate at the meeting of the Certification Council on November 5. Also, LĀB has reported that it is preparing a proposal for changes in the legislation, which would provide a legal basis for the publication of the decisions made by its professional institutions, because it emphasizes that it stands for the openness of information, and this case and the various interpretations that have come out about it only reinforce the need for changes in the legislation.
The LETA agency found out that on Wednesday it appealed the decision of the Riga Northern Prosecutor’s Office to a higher-ranking prosecutor in the position of LĀB, that there is no criminal offense in Medņas’s publications about medics.
It has already been announced that the VP has refused to initiate criminal proceedings against Medni, who works at the Ågenskalns clinic, after receiving submissions from the Health Inspectorate and BKUS about possible defamation of the hospital and its staff. The VP made such a decision, emphasizing that the criminal law provides for liability for defamation of another person, not against an institution or a company.
At the same time, the Association of Latvian Doctors (LAB) appealed to the prosecutor’s office about Mednis’ actions. The association asked the prosecutor’s office to evaluate whether the actions of Medņas, publishing information on social networks aimed at inciting hatred and mistrust towards doctors, show signs of a criminal offense.
Accordingly, the Children’s Hospital could appeal the VP’s decision to the prosecutor’s office. On the other hand, the decision of the LAB prosecutor’s office could be appealed to a higher-ranking prosecutor.
Mednis and some commentators on social media basically accused the doctors of BKUS of deliberate malice in connection with the death of a little boy who died of diphtheria in September.
Time.news Interview: The Impact of Misinformation on Healthcare Reputation
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, Signe Koritko, the head of the Legal and Procurement Department of the Children’s Hospital BKUS. We’re diving into an important topic—the impact of misinformation in healthcare. Thank you for joining us, Signe.
Signe Koritko (SK): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this crucial issue.
E: Let’s start with the backdrop of the situation. Recently, false statements made by individuals, including Mednis, have circulated on social media. What was your initial reaction upon learning about this misinformation?
SK: Unfortunately, it was disheartening. These false statements not only harm the reputation of our hospital but also jeopardize the trust that the public places in the healthcare system. When someone like Mednis makes medically unfounded claims, it significantly undermines our profession and the science-based traditions that we hold dear.
E: You’ve mentioned the negative impact on public trust. Could you elaborate on how such misinformation can affect the wider healthcare landscape?
SK: Absolutely. Misinformation can create a ripple effect; individuals may begin to question the credibility of medical professionals and institutions. When people believe claims that aren’t based on facts, it erodes trust not just in our hospital, but in the entire healthcare system. It’s incredibly damaging and offensive to those who work tirelessly in this field.
E: How has the Children’s Hospital responded to these developments, especially given the negative assessment from the VP about initiating criminal proceedings against those spreading misinformation?
SK: While we are disappointed by the refusal to initiate criminal proceedings, we remain hopeful that the prosecutor’s office will thoroughly evaluate the situation. We trust that they will act in the interest of the public, ensuring that misinformation does not go unchecked. Our hospital is committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
E: You mentioned the Latvian Association of Physicians (LAB) will be making a decision regarding Mednis’s certification soon. How crucial do you believe this decision will be for restoring confidence in your institution?
SK: The upcoming decision on Mednis’s certification is indeed pivotal. It will send a clear message about the seriousness with which our medical community approaches accountability. Transparency in the decisions made by professional institutions is imperative, and we support any legislative proposals that enhance this openness.
E: It sounds like there’s a call for change in how the healthcare system deals with misinformation. What steps do you believe are necessary to address this issue effectively?
SK: We need stronger legal frameworks that can address misinformation in a timely manner and protect the integrity of our profession. Additionally, we must foster a culture of transparency where medical professionals are encouraged to uphold factual information and where patients can easily verify claims. Education for the public about discerning credible information is also vital.
E: You’ve highlighted some critical points. In light of this incident, what message would you like to deliver to the public regarding their engagement with health information on social media?
SK: Be vigilant and critical about the information you come across, especially on social media. Always look for evidence-based sources and consult with healthcare professionals before making decisions based on potentially misleading information. Your health is too important to be influenced by unverified claims.
E: Thank you, Signe, for your insights today. It’s clear that addressing misinformation in healthcare is crucial, not just for individual institutions, but for public health as a whole.
SK: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to advocate for transparency and trust in our healthcare system.