This story is from July 1, 2021

Jamnagar doctor debunks myths on corona online

As associate professor working in paediatric department of Jamnagar’s G G Hospital, Dr Maulik Shah could have just attended to the steady flow of patients that knock the doors of government-run hospital. But at a time when the Covid-induced pandemic had fuelled lot of rumours on social media, Shah took the onus of solving simple queries of people.
Jamnagar doctor debunks myths on corona online
Dr Maulik Shah
RAJKOT: As associate professor working in paediatric department of Jamnagar’s G G Hospital, Dr Maulik Shah could have just attended to the steady flow of patients that knock the doors of government-run hospital. But at a time when the Covid-induced pandemic had fuelled lot of rumours on social media, Shah took the onus of solving simple queries of people.
His videos on YouTube have crossed 5 million users mark in the last sixteen months – the time during which he resolved simple queries of Covid treatment to the ongoing vaccination drive.

Shah started making videos in Hindi and English right from the onset of first wave of Covid-19 to reach maximum audience. And till date he replies to around 40 queries a day that viewers post in the comment section.
“When Covid-19 entered our life, it was necessary to translate science in layman’s language. I started this by using YouTube,” said Shah.
“All I wanted was to ensure that before people turn victim of myths, I equip them with facts, be it related to World Health Organization or health ministry’s guidelines or medical jargons and terminologies,” he said.
Shah also organises discussions with experts and his doctor friends from US and UK on other social media platforms. He has listeners from 70 countries including India and his viewers include even fellow doctors apart from nursing staff and medical students.
In the initial stage, he made videos for doctors and nursing staff describing how to wear PPE kits. These videos were circulated by the state government.
“Since the beginning, people have lot of confusion and questions related to Covid. Some of them are even silly. At times, I am asked whether masturbating after vaccination has side effects or a person allergic to insect bite can take a jab. I reply to them in most easy and convincing language,” he said.
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About the Author
Nimesh Khakhariya

Nimesh Khakhariya is an assistant editor with Times Of India.

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