Some politicians, scientists, and clinicians work together to address public health issues worldwide.
Recently, I published a critical public health story that opened our eyes to the deeply entrenched challenges within the U.S. healthcare system. I knew the situation was bad, but I did not realize the extent of the corruption — acknowledged even by prominent figures like RFK Jr. in the press and, surprisingly, Donald Trump.
I have remained politically neutral since 2019. However, I see a trend for meaningful change under the current administration in the US. As well documented in the literature, the healthcare crisis in the U.S., driven by a pharmaceutical industry that prioritizes profits over healing our illnesses, needs urgent attention and action.
I want to be clear: I support approved medications when they are prescribed responsibly and used under medical supervision. These treatments can save lives and even address chronic conditions such as obesity when used appropriately.
Here’s an example:
New Clinical Trial: Semaglutide’s Breakthrough in Obesity-Related Heart Failure
A new promising clinical trial reveals impressive heart health and weight loss improvements over 52 weeks, positioning…medium.com
However, I take issue with the misuse of pharmaceuticals as mere commercial tools that jeopardize public health. This is where I draw the line, and I will continue writing to raise awareness about this critical matter.
Let me share the insights that inspire my determination to speak out. The next section encapsulates my heartfelt observations that drive my commitment to action.
A Web of Excuses: My Disappointing NewsBreak Experience
Earlier this year, I resumed writing for NewsBreak. The platform initially helped me reach a broad audience, with my public health stories resonating with millions across the U.S.
Things went well for six months. Then, about three months ago, I noticed a sharp decline in views. Seeking guidance, I reached out to the support team. One representative suggested that NewsBreak deprioritized health-related content and advised me to focus on adding a more “scientific spin” to my stories.
Things took a dramatic turn two weeks ago. A public health story I submitted was not distributed at all. When I contacted support again, a different representative claimed my account was not verified. This was puzzling, as I had registered with my passport, email, phone number, tax file number, and bank account.
To resolve the issue, I was asked to verify my identity using LinkedIn or Medium. Knowing NewsBreak’s stance on Medium, I used my verified LinkedIn account, which publicly displays my credentials and professional history. LinkedIn’s verification process is thorough. It required my driver’s license, passport, phone number, and email.
A few days later, NewsBreak informed me that my LinkedIn account could not be verified, citing potential issues with the system. Frustrated by the robotic response, I submitted a vital story that had already been published on Medium, which was also not distributed, but at least 56 reads were received from my direct link.
Reflecting on Medium, I suspect the platform may be facing financial challenges, which could influence its distribution choices. Given my large following and the reach of my publication, stories from my account have the potential to go viral—possibly creating higher operational costs for the platform. So I don’t believe Medium would censor such an important public health story to inform and educate readers.
In contrast, the situation with NewsBreak appears more calculated, with motivations that seem to extend beyond financial considerations. Unlike before, the editorial review process took 24 hours. When it was finally published, I was hopeful it would be distributed broadly, given its relevance to the U.S. audience.
But nothing happened. After three days, the story had zero views — despite being published to my 4,000 followers. Below is a screenshot showing the story as published but with no engagement.
This felt like a deliberate form of censorship. By publishing the story without distributing it, NewsBreak created the illusion of support while effectively silencing the message. Adding to this, NewsBreak recently removed writer links from stories, making it difficult for new readers to discover our work through older content.
A trusted mentor explained this could be due to NewsBreak’s ties to major pharmaceutical companies. He mentioned that NewsBreak, funded by Chinese investors aiming to penetrate the U.S. market, may avoid publishing anything critical of Big Pharma. If true, this revelation is disheartening, especially considering my efforts to support the platform and bring in new writers through referrals.
I have escalated the issue and made it clear that if my concerns are not addressed, I will delete my account, remove all references to NewsBreak from my website and other platforms, and cease promoting their services. It is not about the money. Once earning thousands of dollars, now my 400+ stories have earned only four cents in the last 15 days, showing the overt censorship.
My concern is not about money but about integrity and earning the trust of my readers. Public health must take precedence over commercial gains for my creative and educational endeavors.
Drug ads got so bad on US TV, and it is even adversely affecting neighboring countries like Canada. For example, a concerned reader Stephanie Leach, wisely and transparently said:
The Silver Lining from the New US Government
Now, I want to add another layer to this post. In addition, I wrote a story about a medical doctor whose career in the NHS was ruined by biased media coverage, allegedly under pressure from Big Pharma.
This story, titled How Biased Media Destroyed the NHS Career of a Cardiologist and Changed My New GP’s Perspective, was censored on multiple platforms but found its audience on Substack, where my subscribers engaged with it freely. It also found significant views via SEO optimization on my website, hitting the top of the page on Google.
Interestingly and surprisingly, the doctor in question, Dr. Aseem Malhotra, recently announced his new advisory role in Trump’s administration, endorsed by Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.,. This development gives me hope, as I greatly respect Dr. Malhotra and his remarkable work.
While NewsBreak silences creators like me, today, I noticed another significant boost on X Premium. Ian Miles Cheong, with over a million followers, shared a tweet containing a video where RFK Jr. succinctly explained the issue in three minutes.
The tweet has already received around 400,000 views and 4,000 shares. As RFK Jr. noted, Americans spend three times more on pharmaceuticals than other countries, leaving the nation in a dire state.
https://twitter.com/stillgray/status/1857243655989350456
Conclusions and Key Takeaways
This battle for transparency and accountability in healthcare is far from over. Like thousands of scientists, researchers, clinicians, and politicians worldwide, I will continue writing and advocating for change, using every available platform to ensure these critical stories are told.
I have decided not to waste my energy on biased platforms like NewsBreak. I hope NewsBreak management learns from Elon Musk how to run a free speech platform. Public health is too important to be stifled by platforms prioritizing corporate interests over truthful and vital information.
Such platforms may think they can silence voices but underestimate the public’s intelligence. People are increasingly discerning and will eventually turn away from media that censors critical health knowledge and suppresses practitioners who dare to speak the truth.
The demand for transparency and accountability will always outlast attempts to suppress it. Perhaps this is why Elon Musk’s X continues to exceed expectations, and despite his flaws, Donald Trump won the 2024 election in the United States. These outcomes reflect a growing public desire for voices that challenge the status quo and confront issues others prefer to ignore.
To Writers:
Use your voice wisely and choose platforms that value authenticity and truth over profit. Do not be discouraged by censorship; let it fuel your determination to share impactful stories. Seek communities and spaces where your work will be respected and your messages amplified. Check out my chapter on capturing attention ethically for advanced writers.
Chapter 3: Capturing Attention Ethically in Competitive Platforms in Seven Steps for Advanced Writers
Here’s How to Lead, Engage, and Inspire on Substack and Beyondmedium.com
To Readers:
Be discerning in what you consume and support. Challenge biased narratives and demand accountability from media platforms. Subscribe to and share content from creators and platforms prioritizing transparency and genuine public interest. Together, we can ensure that critical information reaches those who most need it.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a happy and healthy life.
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