Telemedicine

Investigations into three of the cases have been completed, resulting in enforcement action

Telemedicine revenue accounts for about US$12.8 million or 90.4% of its parent company’s total sales

The clinic can no longer operate at its permanent premises at 371 Beach Road, nor temporary locations such as patients’ residences, or remotely via teleconsultation

This includes ensuring teleconsultations are appropriate for patient’s condition, not promoting prescription-only medicines

They will only be in breach of guidelines if they are put up by individual registered doctors

Lawyers say such advertisements may contravene a ban on ads for prescription medications

Existing rules, coupled with public feedback, enable prompt action against offenders, says minister

Smaller medical fees mean reduced takings for doctors, which may have caused them to prioritise volume over clinical standards

Government oversight will set expectations and allow for earlier flagging of errant behaviour