February 18, 2021

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is concerned that Facebook has taken down the RACP Facebook page in the middle of a global pandemic and is calling on Facebook to reverse its ban.

The RACP Facebook page is typically used to distribute information about the leading research and advocacy that its physicians deliver to Australians, particularly on the frontline of the pandemic.

RACP President, Professor John Wilson says “The removal of public access to our Facebook page seems to be a consequence of a sudden reaction and poorly executed decision by Facebook.

“It would be irresponsible to remove access to critical information shared by health agencies during such a difficult time when the community needs the highest standards of care we can deliver.

“Our nation is on the brink of an unprecedented vaccination rollout program, where health communications are vital to ensure public confidence in the vaccine and healthcare worker awareness of strategy.

“The Commonwealth's vaccine strategy has this College's 100% support and the withdrawal of a major communication tool can only be described as devastating.

“In addition, our training doctors are dependent on information we provide on social media to support them through their very disrupted assessments.

“Facebook’s decision today couldn’t come at a worse time.

“We call on Facebook to immediately reinstate the RACP’s Facebook and that of other healthcare and community organisations.”