The Severity Of An Inaccurate Billboard On SZR Claiming To Heal Depression In 10 Days Has Not Gone Unseen
Twitter is in uproar following the appearance of a billboard on Sheikh Zayed Road, with some outlandish medical claims.
And rightly so.
An image of the billboard, which claims you can beat depression, migraine and stress in just ten days was shared on Twitter via Dr. Alya Al Midfa. The Psychiatry Resident posted the photo to Twitter with a comment directed at the MOHAP- the health board quickly responded to the post, stating the billboard is unlicensed and authorities will take action.
“It is ridiculous that an ad like this gets approved to be on Sheikh Zayed Road! Although yoga is great for general well-being, claiming it can treat clinical depression in 10 days without medications or therapy is not only unscientific but also laughable! @mohapuae” – Dr. Alya Al Midfa
It is ridiculous that an ad like this gets approved to be on Sheikh Zayed Road! Although yoga is great for general well-being, claiming it can treat clinical depression in 10 days without medications or therapy is not only unscientific but also laughable! @mohapuae pic.twitter.com/KKZR6AWKJE
— Dr. Alya Al Midfa (@DrAlMidfa) August 3, 2019
Further comments prove many residents are extremely angered by the billboard
“Can we stop patronizing and trivializing depression?”
What on earth is this??? What kind of delusions are they trying to sell.
Can we stop taking mental health so lightly? Can we stop patronizing and trivializing depression?
Isn't there some authority that can overrule such a billboard content ??! https://t.co/mnI3CkYAg8— Iman Ben Chaibah (@ImanBenChaibah) August 3, 2019
The severity of the inaccurate billboard will not be ignored
Well said @DrAlMidfa #Depression is the most burdensome medical condition @WHO & can cause suicide#Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide especially among youth
Heartbreaking & irresponsible to sell #false_hopes
There are effective treatments that save lives@mohapuae https://t.co/48CTgpwxL1— Dr. Ammar Albanna د.عمار البنا (@Albanna_MD) August 3, 2019
While others are simply labelling it a marketing tool
https://twitter.com/Thedesertalways/status/1157740573412995073?s=20
Dr. Alya along with many others reported the billboard
Because of false information like this many people are convinced not to seek professional help when they need it the most. I just reported it to @mohapuae on 80011111 hopefully they will take action and prevent this from happening again!
— Dr. Alya Al Midfa (@DrAlMidfa) August 3, 2019
Unsurprisingly, the billboard is not licenced
Authorities were quick to respond to the tweets and have confirmed action will be taken
Thank you for contacting us, and we would like to inform that the advertisement is not licensed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and we will take our action regard this advertisement.
— وزارة الصحة ووقاية المجتمع – MOHAP UAE (@mohapuae) August 4, 2019
