Dr. Punam Krishan, a familiar face on BBC’s Morning Live and a dedicated NHS GP, has raised concerns about a concerning trend she is increasingly encountering in her field. With a substantial following of 127,000 on Instagram, the doctor used her platform to bring attention to the issue.
She emphasized the escalating prevalence of medical scams, which she perceives as a more pressing problem now than ever before, as reported by Bristol Live.
Addressing her audience, Dr. Punam expressed her worry about the rise in health scams, particularly fake GP calls urging individuals to update personal information urgently to avoid removal from their GP list.
She reassured the public that legitimate GP practices would never request bank details over the phone, threaten removal from the list for not pressing a button, or demand payment to maintain registration. She advised individuals to trust their instincts if a call seems suspicious or overly urgent, emphasizing that genuine GP practices welcome verification if there are doubts.
Another emerging concern highlighted by Dr. Punam is the proliferation of AI doctor deepfakes, realistic videos featuring purported doctors offering medical advice or selling supposed cures. She cautioned against products making grand promises using pressure tactics or emotive language, as true healthcare does not rely on such strategies.
Furthermore, Dr. Punam drew attention to the abundance of advertisements for medical products on social media platforms, often targeting vulnerable individuals seeking solutions. She urged caution when encountering products promising miraculous results, emphasizing the adage that if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
The doctor also warned about the prevalence of fake online pharmacies, stressing the importance of verifying the legitimacy of such sites before purchasing medications. She advised consumers to look for the green MHRA pharmacy logo as a sign of authenticity and approval.
In conclusion, Dr. Punam emphasized that reliable health information originates from evidence-based sources like the NHS, NHS Inform, and reputable medical charities. She encouraged individuals to cross-check any medical advice found online with trusted sources and to verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be doctors by checking the GMC register.
She concluded by acknowledging the distress of falling victim to scams and experiencing a sense of panic, urging those affected to seek urgent medical help if necessary and reminding them that they are not alone. She emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and compassionate towards oneself in such situations.