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New Delhi, India – In a significant move to combat health misinformation and make high-quality healthcare information more accessible, YouTube has announced the launch of new features designed for registered health professionals. The Google-owned platform aims to help Indian viewers connect with authoritative health content created by doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and other certified healthcare providers.
Building on its existing health source information panels and curated health content shelves, YouTube is inviting applications from registered healthcare professionals to make their channels eligible for these features. This initiative will expand YouTube’s library of credible health-related content, helping users identify trustworthy sources more easily.
“This will allow us to include high-quality information from a wider group of healthcare channels,” said Dr. Garth Graham, Director and Head of YouTube Health, in a blog post. “The expansion represents a big step towards helping people more easily find and connect with content that comes from the extraordinary community of healthcare creators on YouTube – the smart, dedicated, and creative folks who are transforming the ways that we share medical information.”
Enhancing Accessibility and Quality
The new feature aims to provide Indian viewers with evidence-based, authoritative content in multiple languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, Bengali, Malayalam, Punjabi, and English. By emphasizing both information quality and information equity, YouTube hopes to make healthcare resources accessible to a broader audience.
Registered professionals who meet guidelines established by the Council of Medical Specialty Societies, the National Academy of Medicine, and the World Health Organization will be eligible to apply. YouTube will review the applications and verify professional licenses to ensure authenticity.
Approved channels will feature health source information panels beneath their videos, signaling to viewers that the content is authoritative. Additionally, their videos will be highlighted in health content shelves when users search for specific health topics.
Tackling Misinformation
Dr. Graham emphasized that this initiative is a step toward addressing the growing issue of health misinformation online. “At YouTube, we want to harness the opportunity of the internet to help people find high-quality information. We want to provide equitable access to highly authoritative health information that is evidence-based,” he said.
In tandem with individual health professionals, YouTube is also collaborating with healthcare institutions to produce and amplify authoritative content. This expanded effort will cover over 140 conditions, including those related to physical and mental health.
A Game-Changer for Digital Healthcare
The launch of these features underscores YouTube’s commitment to leveraging its platform for public good by ensuring that users have access to reliable health information. By fostering a network of verified healthcare professionals and institutions, YouTube hopes to become a trusted resource for millions of viewers seeking credible health advice.
With this initiative, YouTube is not only empowering health professionals but also paving the way for a more informed and healthier society.
