Janil Puthucheary on ensuring ethical telemedicine practices

Eight telemedicine providers have been or are currently being investigated for non-compliance in the provision of teleconsultation services. They fall into two categories. The first is for lapses in clinical care, such as doctors issuing prescriptions and medical certificates without proper clinical assessment or not conducting video consultations for first-time patients. The second relates to inappropriate advertisements, such as promoting the unnecessary use of telemedicine services. Investigations into three of the cases have concluded and enforcement actions have been taken. One of them is MaNaDr Clinic, whose outpatient medical service licence has been revoked. The others involved a short suspension and a stern warning. In addition, medical practitioners have been referred to the Singapore Medical Council for potential lapses in professional standards. Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary, who gave this update in reply to MPs’ questions in Parliament on Tuesday (Jan 7), said telemedicine can bring tremendous benefits to patients, especially those who are immobile or doing regular follow-ups. It makes healthcare much more accessible and convenient to patients, he added. However, as in any new service delivery model, there will be potential for abuse and misuse, especially in the initial period of implementation, he said. Dr Janil said the Ministry of Health (MOH) will take the necessary enforcement actions so that best practices become normalised over time. In the meantime, the public should raise concerns regarding the provision of telemedicine to MOH.