Cyber Law will shield medical workers from online Attacks – RDAZ
Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) President Dr. Paul Chibwe has welcomed the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, stating it will help curb the growing trend of online defamation targeted at medical professionals.
Dr. Chibwe said the association has recorded cases where patients, dissatisfied with medical care, took to social media to name and shame doctors without following due complaint procedures.
“We’ve seen patients taking pictures of hospital facilities and posting defamatory remarks about doctors on Facebook,” he said. “Some even publish names and specific allegations based solely on their personal opinions, without verification.”
He has noted that such social media attacks not only damage the reputation of individual doctors but also undermine confidence in health facilities, making it difficult for professionals to continue practicing effectively.
Dr. Chibwe said there are formal procedures in place for patients to lodge complaints, including review by expert committees to determine if any malpractice occurred.
“Once these accusations are online, the public quickly passes judgment, and it becomes nearly impossible for the doctor to clear their name,” he explained. “This law will encourage people to be more responsible about what they post and to follow proper channels.”
He has further called on the public to respect medical professionals and utilize established complaint mechanisms rather than resorting to social media outbursts.
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