On 13 March, the Kerala Health Department had issued a circular prohibiting officials from using social media because it thought there was a risk of the same being used for monetary gains. As per the Department, activity on social media went against existing rules and regulations.
However, the Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) had argued that the prohibition, which prevented officials from maintaining their own YouTube channels and posting reels on Instagram, violated the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, as part Aarticle19(1)(A) of the Constitution of India. Following criticism from the medical fraternity, the state’s health department withdrew the order on 21 March 2021. The Indian Medical Association had also disapproved of the social-media ban.
As per the KGMOA, the Kerala Health Department had reacted too strongly by issuing a circular to health workers who have actually used social media for the general good of the public. The Association pointed out that health workers and officials of the Health Department have been using social media to spread awareness among the masses, and to educate the general public to beware of fake health-related news, opinions and misinformation. It asserted that the social-media activities of health workers/officials was aimed at protecting the public.
In fact, the KGMOA has urged the Health Department to embrace progressive and modern measures, in keeping with the changing times, to ensure more efficient dissemination of information.
