New regulations in Poland: Combating pseudomedical practices
The Polish government has adopted a draft of new regulations aimed at curbing the spread of medical misinformation. These changes grant the Patient Ombudsman significantly greater powers in the fight against dangerous and scientifically unproven therapies.
Currently, treatment methods that have no basis in academic medicine are being promoted more and more frequently in Poland. The new law will allow officials to respond more effectively to advertisements and advice that could threaten the health or lives of patients. The Patient Ombudsman will gain tools to more quickly remove harmful content and impose penalties on individuals promoting dangerous practices.
Experts emphasize that the fight against so-called "pseudomedicine" is crucial for public safety. Many people, when seeking help for an illness, encounter offers that not only fail to cure but can also delay the initiation of proper therapy in a hospital or clinic.
The draft bill is currently in the legislative stage. If finally adopted, it will represent an important step in protecting patients from fraud and dangerous health advice on the internet and social media.