Media practitioners need empathy, care when writing health news

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- Media practitioners including those in the new media should be responsible, empathetic and caring when writing news, issues and ideas on health services.



Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said they must report a certain issue based on facts and verified information and not on mere assumptions.



"Even though media practitioners are always working against a deadline, what is reported should be verified," he said in a breaking of fast with media practitioners here.



Dr Dzulkefly said each practitioner should adhere to ethical journalism based on universal noble values when carrying out their responsibility.



In the face of the social media era such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and WhatsApp currently, media personnel should be more sensitive and should know how to react when handling an issue which had been disseminated, he added.



The function was attended by about 200 media practitioners including journalists, editors and cameramen.



-- BERNAMA