Today, the Internet has become a channel for people to seek medical advice. On live-streaming platforms, some doctors and pharmacists have grown into celebrities, winning people's trust. However, amid the promotion of medical science, there are some pretending to be experts who propagate quack remedies.

The therapies recommended by such charlatans can put patients at risk. For instance, if they prescribe hormone creams for skin problems for an extended period, while the symptoms may lessen in the short time, the abuse may worsen the condition in the long term. That can result in netizens beginning to distrust the profession as a whole, and also some platforms becoming a hub of unscientific medical information.

Today, more and more doctors are participating in science popularization through the Internet, providing high-quality medical videos. According to a report released by www.DXY.com, a health service website, 62 percent of doctors offer online services 15.2 hours a week. In addition to providing regular diagnosis at hospitals, they can also become Internet celebrities and a vital force enhancing communication between doctors and patients.

Therefore, it is urgent to protect the online medical science channels and ensure that people get guidance from real medical personnel, whose activities should be encouraged.

The platforms should also verify their doctors' identity. Otherwise, they bear joint liability for any adverse outcome.

This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Yangcheng Evening News on September 5 

(Print Edition Title: Internet Celebrity Doctors)