Eight telemed providers, including MaNaDr, investigated for regulatory breaches: Janil
Investigations into three of the cases have been completed, resulting in enforcement action
EIGHT telemedicine providers are under or have been investigated for regulatory breaches uncovered during regular audits, Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary told Parliament on Tuesday (Jan 7).
Last year, the Ministry of Health (MOH) also received 59 complaints related to telemedicine, involving more than 20 licensees, Dr Janil said.
He was responding to questions filed by three Members of Parliament during Tuesday’s parliamentary session.
Investigations into three of the cases have been completed, resulting in enforcement actions. Among these, MaNaDr Clinic had its licence to provide outpatient medical services revoked on Dec 20.
The other two cases, involving unnamed clinics, resulted in penalties such as a short suspension and a stern warning. Investigations into the other five providers are ongoing.
The breaches fall into two main categories, Dr Janil said. The first involves lapses in clinical care, such as issuing prescriptions or medical certificates without proper clinical assessments.
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The second relates to inappropriate advertising, including promotions encouraging unnecessary use of telemedicine services.
Medical practitioners linked to these breaches have been referred to the Singapore Medical Council, which is currently reviewing potential lapses in professional standards, Dr Janil said.
“It’s important to recognise that telemedicine can bring tremendous benefits to patients, especially those who are immobile or doing regular follow-ups,” he added.
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“However, as in any new service delivery model, there will be potential for abuse and misuse, especially in the initial period of implementation.”
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