The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed the arrest of a notorious fake TikTok doctor, known as Dr…
The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed the arrest of a notorious fake TikTok doctor, known as Dr Matthew Lani, after several weeks of eluding authorities.
In an official statement, the department revealed that Lani was apprehended at the main entrance of Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg around 8:00 pm on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Attempting to evade capture, he was found in a hoodie, surgical mask, and stethoscope as a disguise when hospital security finally cornered him.
However, his escape bid did not end there. Lani, using the ruse of needing the restroom, made an attempt to flee by jumping through a window. Hospital security called for reinforcements and successfully apprehended him once more before handing him over to the police for an “official” arrest.
The TikTok personality had previously used the same hospital as a backdrop for misleading videos in which he offered medical advice while impersonating a qualified medical doctor. His online persona garnered nearly 300,000 followers and three million likes over several months.
Red flags about his qualifications and advice were raised approximately three weeks ago, leading to the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) confirming that Lani was not a registered health practitioner. They also emphasized that practising without a valid license constituted a criminal offence.
Furthermore, on October 9, 2023, the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) disputed claims made on Lani’s LinkedIn profile, which stated that he had studied medicine (MBBS) at the institution from 2014 to 2021. The university clarified that they only offered an MBBCh program. While technically similar degrees, they carry different names depending on the institution.
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Dr. Mattew Lani’s deceptive practices uncovered
In the statements by HPCSA and Wits University, the Gauteng Department of Health took immediate action by initiating a criminal case against Lani, while TikTok banned his account. Additionally, the Gauteng Department of Education verified that Lani lacked a matric certificate and had been referred to a Special Needs School back in 2010.
One of the most contentious moments in Lani’s online presence revolved around a video where he claimed that a group of individuals had been hospitalized at Helen Joseph Hospital due to the consumption of a weight-loss pill. This assertion prompted the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority to launch an investigation in August. However, no confirmation of such an incident was found.
Lani now faces allegations of practising without a license and utilizing the identity of a second-year medical intern at Tembisa Provincial Hospital to gain unauthorized access to medical facilities.
Impact of deceptive online advice
With the accessibility of health information on the internet and social media, many seek quick answers to their health concerns. However, individuals like Dr Lani exploit this by posing as qualified medical professionals, causing scepticism and risks for the public.
Deceptive practices undermine the credibility of health information, potentially endanger personal health, and challenge the entire healthcare system. Rebuilding trust necessitates stricter regulation, public education on reliable sources, media literacy, and transparency from healthcare professionals. The case highlights the importance of maintaining trust in healthcare during the digital age.
In the digital age, the recent apprehension of the false TikTok doctor, “Dr. Matthew Lani,” highlights the critical importance of cooperation between government agencies and tech companies. This partnership is essential in addressing deceptive practices and proactively averting similar incidents in the future.
Government and tech firms combatting online health misinformation
Online platforms, including social media, have evolved into fertile grounds for the spread of health misinformation. The easy access and the ability to reach a wide audience make these platforms enticing for individuals looking to deceive, as evidenced by the case of Dr. Lani.
The collaboration between government agencies and tech companies is a comprehensive strategy. First, government bodies such as the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) hold the authority to enforce regulations on medical qualifications and healthcare information. Their collaboration with tech companies ensures that these regulations extend to the digital system.
On the other front, tech companies bear the responsibility of implementing algorithms, reporting tools, and content moderation systems that can identify and remove deceptive health-related content. Furthermore, they can share data and insights with authorities regarding suspicious accounts.
To prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, government agencies and tech companies can work together on various fronts. These efforts include mechanisms for users to verify their credentials, especially those offering health advice, and the establishment of accessible means for users to report suspicious or misleading content.
Open communication between tech companies and government agencies facilitates the identification and resolution of deceptive practices, and it can lead to updated regulations that address evolving challenges in the digital age, such as deceptive health advice on social media.
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