The self-proclaimed online general practitioner Dr Jone Hawea whose Face­book posts on COVID-19, some of which were labelled false infor­mation, is gaining traction on social media.

It is understood that Dr Hawea, who did not have a practicing li­cence for the past two years ap­plied for one last week.

It is yet to be confirmed if his ap­plication to register has been ac­cepted or otherwise.

Fiji’s laws clearly indicate that a person has to be registered to practice and have medical indem­nity.

And while not registered, he has sat on many panels as an expert opinion on medical matters de­spite having no ground or clinical experience with COVID-19.

Dr Hawea has made other claims and statements regarding COVID-19 which lacked scientific backing and were based on con­spiracy theories.

His latest conspiracy theory, which was labelled ‘Partly false information’ originated from a post by the Centre for Disease Control they were the request for certain tests.

The former trainee surgeon claimed there was no way to dif­ferentiate between what was flu and what was COVID-19 dur­ing tests in the United States of America and the same could be happening in Fiji.

But the fact check article ex­plained that the CDC is encourag­ing use of multiplex PCR for flu and SARS-CoV-2 as the USA goes into flu season.

This means separate tests for the separate viruses. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services have already stated that Fiji’s tests are for the COVID-19 virus.

Despite being active on social media platforms, Dr Hawea has not responded to queries sent to him to verify his claims and stance.

Fiji Medical Association

Fiji Medical Association presi­dent Dr Basharat Munshi said: “I am sure Mr Hawea means well and has love for the people of Fiji.

“Unfortunately, the basis of his theories and arguments lack or omits important scientific infor­mation which is then used to skew his view that COVID-19 vaccina­tions are not beneficial,” he said.

“If people are influenced by this view and choose not to get vac­cinated and have a bad outcome from COVID, even die, then obvi­ously there must be accountabil­ity for influencing this decision.

“I urge Mr Hawea to engage in dialogue with the Head of Vacci­nation in Fiji, Dr Rachel Devi and the Head of Health Protection in Fiji Dr Aalisha Sahu Khan to help clarify any queries or doubts he may have.”

Dr Hawea has been contacted via messages but there has been no response.

The Archdiocese of Suva has also been asked as to why an un­registered medical practitioner’s views were taken as an expert.

Of late, Dr Hawea has also started commenting as a consti­tutional expert on social media regarding the iTaukei Lands Act amendment.

Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj