TIACON 2025: Unfolding the Health Infodemic

The Trusted Information Alliance (TIA) hosted its inaugural conference, TIACoN 2025 in New Delhi on 6 November 2025, which saw over 160 participants come together to learn more about medical misinformation, tricks of fraudsters in the current digital age, how to tackle the harms of misleading Ai-generated content and what can be regulated for better or for worse.

The inaugural panel ‘Unfolding health infodemic’, featured leading voices from India’s medical and media fraternity who came together to address one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today—the rampant spread of misinformation and its growing impact on public health and trust in the medical system.

The discussion, moderated by Sudipta Sengupta, CEO-Founder, The Healthy Indian Project (THIP), featured eminent experts, including Dr Heena Tabassum, Senior Scientist and Program Officer, Dept of Non-Communicable Diseases, ICMR; Dr Anand Prakash, Honorary Joint Secretary, Indian Medical Association (IMA); Dr Ashok Mittal, Medical Director and Head – Minimal Access Surgery Department, RG Stone Urology & Laparoscopy Hospital, East of Kailash, and Dr Yugal Karkhur, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics, Narayana Health.

(From L to R): Sudipta Sengupta, Dr. Yugal Karkhur, Dr Anand Prakash, Dr. Heena Tabassum​ and Dr Ashok Mittal

Here are the key-takeaways from our panel discussion:

On Public Health

True health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Misinformation spreads faster because it connects emotionally and is easily accessible on social media. 

India’s large population amplifies disease statistics, leading to the global misconception of India as the “diabetes” or “cancer capital.” To project India’s strong national health programs and ongoing public health progress, we need better communication strategies on a national level.

‘Public health’ is about communities rather than individuals. Training local and tribal leaders to communicate accurate health information can help create community-level awareness and a preventive mindset.

Doctor-Patient communication

Communicating with patients has become more challenging for doctors as patients arrive with preconceived notions shaped by online content. This underscores the need for realistic communication and transparency, such as during the first meeting, doctors should be upfront about what is curable and what is not. Communication is not formally taught in medical schools, yet it is as vital as clinical knowledge. 

A panelist suggested giving patients verified reading material and using pamphlets to bridge the information gap. “There are two phases to tackling misinformation,” the panelist said. “First, you fight it; then, you fact-check it. The government must also sponsor positive and credible information campaigns to ensure truth reaches the public.”

Misinformation is not the only challenge

The challenge is not only misinformation but also resistance to understanding. While rural communities are generally receptive and willing to learn, urban populations often dismiss medical advice, relying instead on social media and search engines.

“Many people believe Google cannot be wrong, but a doctor can,” a panelist remarked, capturing the growing trust gap between medical professionals and the public.

Digital Engagement

Doctors must be visible where misinformation originates. “If the battle is on Instagram, that’s where we must fight it,” a panelist said, citing examples of misinformation about vaccines and treatments that have directly harmed patient outcomes, including cases where online myths led people to reject medically advised therapies. 

Trust in Doctors

There is also a growing scepticism toward doctors, especially in urban settings, where patients question whether recommendations are motivated by profit. “Once patients start seeing clinicians as service providers rather than healers, both sides lose trust,” a panelist cautioned.

Conclusion

The session concluded with a shared message from all panelists that tackling health misinformation requires collective effort from doctors, researchers, policymakers, media professionals, and the public alike. Accurate information must not only exist but must also be made visible, accessible, and emotionally resonant. As the panel put it succinctly, the path forward lies in “showing up more, showing up differently, and making the truth visible.”

Way Forward

• Strengthen community-level health communication

Equip local, tribal, and frontline leaders with accurate, culturally rooted health information to build preventive awareness and counter emotionally charged misinformation.

• Embed communication into healthcare practice

Provide doctors with structured tools such as verified reading material, pamphlets, and training in patient communication, to bridge the knowledge gap and address misconceptions shaped by online content.

• Meet misinformation where it spreads

Encourage healthcare professionals, public health institutions, and government programs to actively engage on digital platforms, making credible information visible, relatable, and as accessible as misleading content.