Dr Vijay N. Bade is an experienced paediatrician with over 16 years of dedicated service in child healthcare. With strong expertise in immunization and preventive paediatrics, he has played an important role in strengthening child health services at the community level.
Currently serving as a Senior Paediatrician at the Pune Municipal Corporation, Dr Bade is actively involved in public health initiatives, vaccination programs, and promoting evidence-based medical practices to ensure better health outcomes for children and adolescents.
In a conversation with THIP Media, Dr Bade highlighted the need of focussing on prevention of health diseases. Read more…
When a patient explains to you about their health problems, what are the most common mistakes they make in their communication?
One of the most common mistakes people make while communicating with a doctor is focusing more on disease treatment rather than prevention through vaccination and a healthy lifestyle.
What does health literacy mean to you, and why is it important in patient care?
Health literacy is defined as a patient’s ability to understand and effectively use health information, as well as apply that knowledge to navigate the healthcare system appropriately. It plays a crucial role in empowering individuals by increasing awareness about preventive measures such as sanitation, hygiene, and vaccination. Health literacy also improves communication between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring clearer understanding of medical advice. Furthermore, it supports better adherence to treatment plans and medical recommendations given by doctors. Most importantly, it strengthens informed decision-making, enabling early diagnosis and timely treatment for better health outcomes.
If a patient is knowledgeable about the basics of their health condition, how helpful is it for the overall treatment procedure?
When patients understand the basics of their health condition, complications can be reduced and lives can be saved. This is especially important in maternal and newborn health. When mothers are aware of danger signs, seek timely medical care, and follow preventive advice, the risks during pregnancy and childbirth decrease. As a result, both maternal mortality and neonatal mortality rates can be reduced.
How much can medical misinformation impact treatment procedures?
False or misleading health information can significantly affect treatment procedures and overall health outcomes. Many people wrongly believe that certain diseases, such as cancer, are always incurable, which may discourage them from seeking timely medical care, even though early diagnosis and proper treatment can greatly improve outcomes. Misunderstandings about vaccines have also contributed to vaccine hesitancy, leading to reduced immunization rates and the resurgence of diseases such as measles and mumps in some regions.
In addition, exposure to alarming or inaccurate health claims can increase anxiety and psychological distress, sometimes triggering excessive health worries or conditions like obsessive health-related concerns. People may also turn to unqualified practitioners or rely on unverified remedies, particularly for conditions like skin diseases or sexually transmitted infections. As a result, proper medical care is often delayed, allowing the illness to progress and increasing the risk of complications.
What are the most common myths or misinformation you see your patients falling prey to?
One of the most common myths I see among patients is the belief that vaccines cause autism. This claim has been widely debunked by scientific research, yet it continues to create fear and hesitation.
Another frequent issue is misinformation around the timing of vaccines. Many people delay or skip vaccinations due to confusion or safety concerns. However, getting vaccinated at the right time is essential for ensuring maximum protection.
Diseases like measles can lead to serious complications, especially in children, but are largely preventable through timely immunization. Following the recommended vaccination schedule significantly reduces disease morbidity and mortality, protecting both individuals and the wider community.
What is your most common advice to patients to stay away from health misinformation online?
One of the most common pieces of advice I give my patients is to always rely on authentic sources of information. In today’s digital age, misinformation spreads rapidly, especially on social media platforms.
Patients should be encouraged to verify health-related information through credible and authoritative sources rather than unverified online content. Making informed decisions based on accurate information is essential for protecting individual and public health.
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