Kolkata Medical Intern Apologises For Posting Newborn Photos

A medical intern at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal has apologised for posting photographs and videos of herself with newborn babies on social media. The intern, Sudeshna Mondal, had shared the posts, which included images taken in the neonatal and labour room sections of the hospital.

The posts sparked a debate over patient privacy, consent, and professional conduct in medical settings. Several social media users questioned whether images of newborn patients should be posted publicly, even if their families had reportedly given permission.

The controversy gained attention after hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, also known as TheLiverDoc, criticised the posts and urged Mondal to remove them. Dr Philips warned Mondal that she could face trouble for her actions, citing the National Medical Commission's guidelines on patient privacy.

Mondal initially claimed that she had obtained consent from family members and postgraduate doctors, and that she had taken the photographs as a memory. However, following growing criticism, she deleted the posts involving newborns and issued a public apology.

In her apology, Mondal acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding newborns and said she had not realised that sharing such images publicly could be considered inappropriate. She assured that she would not share any further photos of babies, regardless of whether she had consent or not.

Mondal also addressed concerns about hygiene, stating that she had sanitised her hands, watch, and thread before entering the labour room complex. The apology received mixed reactions, with some users supporting her decision while others stressed that patients should not become subjects of social media content.

The incident highlights the importance of patient privacy and consent in medical settings. It also raises questions about the use of social media by medical professionals and the need for guidelines on what is and is not acceptable.

The National Medical Commission's guidelines on patient privacy are clear: patients have the right to privacy and confidentiality, and medical professionals must obtain informed consent before sharing any information or images related to their care.

In this case, Mondal's actions sparked a debate about the boundaries of patient privacy and the need for medical professionals to be mindful of their online presence. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting patient privacy and obtaining informed consent before sharing any information or images related to their care.

The apology and the subsequent debate have also raised questions about the role of social media in medical settings. While social media can be a powerful tool for medical professionals to share information and connect with patients, it also poses risks to patient privacy and confidentiality.

As the medical profession continues to evolve and incorporate new technologies, it is essential to establish clear guidelines on the use of social media and the protection of patient privacy. This will help to ensure that medical professionals are aware of their responsibilities and obligations when it comes to patient privacy and confidentiality.

In conclusion, the incident involving the Kolkata medical intern highlights the importance of patient privacy and consent in medical settings. It also raises questions about the use of social media by medical professionals and the need for guidelines on what is and is not acceptable. As the medical profession continues to evolve, it is essential to establish clear guidelines on the use of social media and the protection of patient privacy.