The Singapore Medical Council ( SMC) will be contacted by the Ministry of Health ( MOH) in October to report 41 doctors who conducted teleconsultations for MaNaDr Clinic for potential professional misconduct because they had possibly violated one or more of the ethical standards set out by the council.
Dr Puthucheary said SMC’s assessment is already underway.
Speaking in Parliament, he said MOH received a total of 59 issues regarding healthcare last month, involving more than 20 licencees.
In response to a question from Mr. Sharael Taha ( PAP-Pasir Ris-Punggol ) regarding how authorities can stop telehealth abuse, Dr. Puthucheary stated that whether a clinical provider is being defrauded in order to obtain a medical certificate (MC) is not a telemedicine issue.
There are a variety of things we look at, including the metrics in terms of the numbers, the type of individual combination, and the justifications for the health certificate or any other medical treatment, because this type of inappropriate use can result in person as well.
” Unfortunately, has a proper assessment been provided? And is the treatment acceptable to the health condition that has been identified and properly documented, whether it is medication, investigation, or health certificate?
He reiterated the” great benefits” that telemedicine can bring to people, particularly those who are motionless, or doing normal follow-ups, adding that it makes care much more accessible and convenient to people.
” 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.  ,
” MOH will take the necessary enforcement actions, so that over time, best practices become normalised.”
The general public should still contact MOH about the availability of telemedicine through the ministry’s website’s public feedback channels, he advised.  ,