MIRI - Health Department employees have been warned against using the social media such as Whatsapp, Twitter, and Facebook to disclose confidential information about the department or patients.

In issuing the directive, State Health director Datu Dr Zulkifli Jantan said in the wrong hands such information might spread rapidly, and this would stir unnecessary fear among the public.

“Worst is if the information is hearsay or plain basic. Sharing of such information is not only against the department’s Code of Ethics, but the culprits may have to face disciplinary action and law suits from patients or their families,” he said yesterday at an event to present Excellence Award (APC) 2013 to 244 to medical staff from Miri, Bintulu and Limbang.

Dr Zulkifli also reminded the department’s staff to abstain from surfing social network during working hours as it might affect the standard of patient care.

“They (surfing such sites) are not related to your work and is a waste of time. It will also cast a negative image on the department and the civil services, in general.”

Dr Zulkifli, instead, advised his staff to use information telecommunication technology (ICT) to improve their knowledge on diseases and treatments.

“We must constantly remind ourselves to stay focused and be serious in improving our efficiency and competency in order to deliver the best service, while minimising making mistakes.”

Source: My Sarawak