1. Purpose
This Code of Conduct and Editorial Policy sets out the standards, legal obligations, and ethical principles that govern the behaviour of contributors to the PNG Medical Blog. It ensures that all content is accurate, ethical, lawful, and respectful, and that the blog upholds public trust in the medical profession.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all contributors to the PNG Medical Blog, including the founding editors and guest writers, who are registered medical practitioners in Papua New Guinea and/or public servants under the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG).
3. Governing Laws and Regulations
Contributors must comply with the following legislation and policies, where applicable:
- Medical Registration Act (Ch. 398) – registration and professional standards for medical practitioners.
- Public Services (Management) Act 2014 – obligations and conduct for public servants.
- General Orders of the Public Service – administrative and ethical requirements.
- GoPNG Anti-Fraud, Anti-Corruption and Whistleblower Policy – transparency, accountability, and corruption prevention.
- Public Health Act (Ch. 226) – public health and safety.
- Medicines and Cosmetics Act 1999 & Regulations 2002 – restrictions on medicine advertising and promotion.
- National Medicines Policy (2014) – principles of integrity, transparency, and professional conduct in medicines and health communication.
- Media Council of PNG Code of Ethics – standards for accuracy, fairness, privacy, and respect.
4. Professional and Ethical Standards
Contributors must:
- Maintain Professional Registration – remain in good standing with the PNG Medical Board.
- Uphold Patient Confidentiality – no identifying information about patients is to be shared without written informed consent.
- Provide Accurate and Evidence-Based Content – use credible, verifiable, and peer-reviewed sources.
- Avoid Personal or Institutional Bias – declare any potential conflicts of interest in articles.
- Respect Cultural Values – be sensitive to the diverse cultural contexts of Papua New Guinea.
- Avoid Defamatory, Discriminatory, or Offensive Content – ensure respectful language and tone.
- Do No Harm – avoid providing direct medical prescriptions or personalised treatment advice online; content should be educational and general in nature.
5. Editorial Principles
- Accuracy – Fact-check all content before publication.
- Balance – Present differing viewpoints when discussing contentious issues.
- Transparency – Acknowledge sources and declare affiliations.
- Corrections Policy – Promptly correct factual errors and publicly acknowledge them on the blog.
- Plagiarism – Strictly prohibited.
- Advertising & Sponsorship – Must comply with the Medicines and Cosmetics Act and avoid misleading claims.
6. Public Service Conduct Obligations
For contributors employed in the public service:
- No misuse of official information obtained through work.
- No unauthorised public statements on behalf of the Department of Health or GoPNG.
- Ensure blog contributions are made in a personal capacity unless explicitly authorised.
7. Complaints and Oversight
- Complaints about content or conduct will be reviewed by the editorial team.
- Serious breaches (e.g., ethical misconduct, breach of law) will be referred to the PNG Medical Board, Department of Health, or relevant GoPNG oversight body.
- Whistleblowing provisions apply under the GoPNG Anti-Corruption & Whistleblower Policy.
8. Enforcement
Failure to comply with this Code may result in:
- Retraction of published material.
- Removal of contributor status.
- Referral to relevant legal, professional, or disciplinary bodies.
9. Review and Updates
This Code will be reviewed annually or as required to reflect changes in law, policy, or professional standards.
10. Acknowledgement
All contributors have acknowledged this form confirming that they have read, understood, and agreed to comply with this Code of Conduct and Editorial Policy.