#NotoDoctorShaming
Yeah? But who was doctor shaming? I hadn't heard of this term until after. Rappler did a whole piece saying how Gov. Gwen Garcia practically shamed two doctors in Cebu for giving their opinions on steam inhalation. I've linked tot the article and saw, in my very first read through a bunch of glaring errors that would've been avoided through minimal research.
Let's get some facts straight that Rappler just doesn't get right. Gov. Gwen Garcia never said that practicing steam inhalation (tuob) is a cure for COVID. She doesn't even say that doing it will prevent you from getting infected. The article and others before this reference this time and time again and even cite that this is not an approved treatment for COVID according to the US FDA and the WHO. Thing is, Gov. Gwen never claimed any of these things.
Tuob is a cheap treatment one can do to alleviate some symptoms and make people feel better when they have a cough, fever or sore throat. Many people have tried it and it's one of the things that can be done to boost one's immune system. All you need is a blanket, an electric kettle, some water and salt. When she started pushing this to people in the provinces, I actually found it laudable since she was providing people with useful information that doesn't kill the virus but boost the immune system of thousands.
Now back to the article. Rappler cites everything wrong with how Gwen handled the criticism brought against her. I agree that the governor could've handled it better though truth be told, everyone here knows that's how she really is as a person. What's absent in the article is the criticism that was made against Gwen and what actually made her react the way she did.
I saw what these doctors said and I can see why Gov. Gwen lost her cool. These doctors basically criticized her for something when they we practically taking the governor out of context. These doctors were practically implying that Gov. Gwen claimed tuob can be a treatment for COVID, which she never did claim.
Now, people in Cebu know Gwen. She's level headed (usually) and smart. She won't go advising people to do an alternative treatment which she thinks isn't helpful. And I think that's the key difference people miss in all of this. These doctors and Rappler say Gwen claimed that tuob is a treatment. No, people. Gwen simply said that it is helpful.
Tuob sounds like an alternative medical practice that I can see many doctors or people my age raise an eyebrow at. Our generation didn't grow up with tuob. My parents did and they say that while not a cure, it is indeed helpful. HELPFUL. To put it into perspective, drinking vitamins is not approved by anyone as a treatment for COVID. Is it helpful? Yes. Should people take vitamins? Yes!
As an end to this post, I want to point out one minor thing that is easy evidence of this Rappler writer not doing any due diligence or any research except take tweets from twitter. The writer referred to the doctor the Gwen scolded as a "he". Both doctors were women. Also, Rappler (even after losing their case against Keng) still opt not to get the parties involved. No mention of Gov. Gwen's response.
I remember reading the newspaper when I was younger. I would see statements like, "The Reporter has contacted the officer of Mr. Jonathan and has yet to get a response." Rappler doesn't do this and it's one of the main reasons I stopped relying on them for news bits. They're practically saying they're a one sided news outlet. And that's no longer news. That's political commentary, which I really think they should embrace at this point.
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