INAPPROPRIATE TELEMEDICINE PRACTICES

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3290

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 7 JANUARY 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Lim Wee Kiak

MP for Sembawang GRC

Question No. 6945

To ask the Minister for Health (a) how many instances of non-compliance of telemedicine guidelines have been reported to or identified by the Ministry in the past year given the recent findings of potential lapses in telehealth consultations; (b) what are the primary reasons for these lapses; (c) what steps have been taken to minimise such lapses; and (d) whether there is a protocol for patients to seek support and advice if they have concerns and wish to report a telehealth consultation.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3318

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Sharael Taha

MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC

Question No. 7020

To ask the Minister for Health (a) in light of the revocation of MaNaDr Clinic’s licence to provide outpatient medical services, whether the Ministry has observed any similar trends of unethical telemedicine practices by licensed providers of outpatient medical services, particularly of short consultations; (b) whether there is any evidence of misuse in the dispensation of drugs in this case; and (c) what other penalties or disciplinary actions have been imposed on the licensed medical practitioners associated with the clinic.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3323

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Ang Wei Neng

MP for West Coast GRC

Question No. 7049

To ask the Minister for Health (a) in the last year, how many medical clinics providing teleconsultations have been audited or investigated for irregularities; (b) of these, how many clinics have been issued warnings or subject to more severe penalties; and (c) what are the common irregularities committed by such clinics.

Answer

1        Arising from the Ministry of Health’s regular audits and enforcement actions, eight telemedicine providers have been or are currently being investigated for non-compliance related to the provision of teleconsultation services. The issues of non-compliance fall largely into two categories (i) 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, or (ii) inappropriate advertisements, such as those promoting the unnecessary use of telemedicine services.

2        Investigations on three of these cases have been concluded and enforcement actions have been taken. One of the cases which is MaNaDr, has had its Outpatient Medical Service licence revoked. The others involve a short suspension and a stern warning, commensurate with the severity of the breaches. In addition, medical practitioners have also been referred to the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) for potential lapses in professional standards. SMC’s review is currently underway.

3        It is important to recognise that 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 our patients.  However, as in any new service delivery model, there will be potential for abuse and misuse, especially in the initial period of implementation. MOH will take the necessary enforcement actions, so that over time, best practices become normalised. In the meantime, the public should raise concerns regarding the provision of telemedicine to the Ministry of Health via the public feedback channels available on the Ministry’s website.