ISLAMABAD: Healthcare experts have raised serious concerns over misinformation aired on Pakistan Television (PTV) about chemotherapy, saying such misinformation could cause life-threatening consequences for cancer patients.
In a joint statement, the Society of Medical Oncology of Pakistan (SMOP), Pakistan Society of Hematology (PSH), Pakistan Blood & Marrow Transplant Team (PBMT) and other organizations said misinformation about the treatment Cancer can undermine public trust and discourage patients from seeking evidence. -based care.
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The controversy originated from the December 13 episode of “Siyasat Tonight” on PTV News, hosted by Shumaila Chaudhry, featuring analysts Rizwan Razi and Amin Hafeez, who described chemotherapy as “ fraud” and makes unscientific claims against its effectiveness.
“Such comments ignore well-established global guidelines from renowned organizations such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which emphasizes the important role of chemotherapy in treating the disease. against many types of cancer,” the statement said.
The press release emphasized that discussions of sensitive medical topics must adhere to evidence-based facts. By calling cancer chemotherapy a fraud and making claims that are not evidence-based, the program endangers the lives of cancer patients who rely on established treatments. prove.
Medical experts have called on PTV News to clearly distance itself from the views presented in the episode and ensure that future discussions on medical issues include qualified experts. Appropriate qualifications and qualifications.
“Misinformation about cancer treatment not only endangers lives but also erodes public trust in established medical protocols,” it said.
They believe that as a national broadcaster, PTV News should uphold its responsibility in disseminating accurate, well-researched information to promote public trust in medical science .