Dr. V Mohan, a renowned diabetologist, has issued a warning about a troubling trend in healthcare disinformation after an AI-generated film falsely claiming diabetes 'treatment' went viral. The video, in which Dr. Mohan appeared to endorse a diabetes cure in 48 hours, aroused concerns about the use of artificial intelligence to generate convincing but hazardous health recommendations.
This occurrence has sparked intense debate among medical professionals and the general public, underscoring the importance of addressing the credibility of internet health information.
The viral video, which was shared on the Facebook pages of the Indian Medical Association of Tirunelveli, depicted a figure like Dr. Mohan promising a quick diabetes cure. However, Dr. Mohan emphatically denied the video's assertions. He pointed out that the video showed him speaking in Hindi, a language he has never studied. The advertising blended a real video of Dr. Mohan with an edited version of his speech, most likely created with AI.
Dr. Mohan had earlier protested about the video in November 2023, prompting its removal by the Tamil Nadu police's internet security unit. However, the video resurfaced, confusing both patients and healthcare experts.
The event highlights the growing risk to public health presented by AI-generated content. Dr. KM Abdul Hasan, President of the Indian Medical Association of Tirunelveli, stressed the convenience and low cost of creating such deceptive content. The deceptive film, which erroneously promotes a rapid diabetic cure, is part of a larger trend in which AI-generated figures often promote untested health solutions.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has voiced concern about the spread of such fraudulent movies and the harm they may do. AI techniques make it quicker and cheaper to develop these deceptive messages, allowing patients to pursue inefficient or hazardous treatments based on false information.
In response to the rising issue, the IMA intends to hold a meeting in Chennai to develop measures for combating AI-generated misinformation in healthcare. The association's goal is to encourage government action and raise public awareness about the hazards of such disinformation among both healthcare providers and patients.
The event involving Dr. Mohan highlights the vital need for monitoring and education in the digital age. It emphasizes the value of critical thinking and verification while accessing health information online. The medical community, government, and general public will need to work together to combat misinformation and ensure societal well-being.
As the healthcare industry becomes more digitized, occurrences like the AI-generated fake cure video serve as sharp reminders of the risks posed by technological technology when exploited. Dr. Mohan's call to action resonates not only in this particular example but also in creating an environment in which misinformation is aggressively combated and true health information prevails. In the face of AI-driven fraud, a collaborative effort is required to preserve public health and promote reputable healthcare practices.
Inputs from various sources.
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
