National Workshop on Misinformation in Health Journalism to Address Accuracy in Reporting
Srinagar— Misinformation in health journalism has emerged as a serious concern, especially amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid spread of false narratives through social media platforms.
The consequences of inaccurate health reporting are vast, undermining public health initiatives, eroding trust in medical authorities, and leading to potentially harmful decision-making by the public. In response to this critical issue, Presspact, A Magazine of Health, Art, and Culture, in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura (SKIMS) and Cyrus Poonawala Institute of Infectious Disease, Hyderabad, is set to organize a National Workshop on Misinformation in Health Journalism, Ensuring Accuracy and Accountability in Health Reporting on April 10, 2025, at the SKIMS campus in Soura, Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the organizer and Editor PRESSPACT, Nazir Ganaie, the workshop aims to bring together a wide range of experts, including medical professionals, journalists, and communication specialists, to explore strategies for improving the accuracy and accountability of health journalism. He informed that this timely event would focus on fostering dialogue between healthcare providers and the media to combat the spread of misinformation, which has been identified as a key barrier to effective public health communication.
Participants in the workshop will have the opportunity to engage in discussions around the responsibilities of journalists and doctors in providing reliable, evidence-based health information to the public. With prominent knowledge partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Asia Health Journalists Network, and BLISS Star Hospital lending their support, the event is set to be a platform for valuable collaboration.
By participating in this workshop, individuals will play a significant role in shaping a more informed and responsible approach to health journalism. Strengthening partnerships between the medical and media sectors will not only enhance the quality of health reporting but also contribute to better public health outcomes across the nation.
The event is a step toward ensuring that health-related news is rooted in accuracy and accountability, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making at the public and policy levels.
“Presspact invites all interested professionals to be a part of this important conversation and to help shape the future of health journalism,” Coordinator of the event, Syed Nadeem said.
