DoctorxDentist wipes platform of reviews after SMC issues advisory to doctors

DOCTORXDENTIST has removed all reviews of doctors from its online platform after the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) on Wednesday warned medical practitioners against associating with online search engine optimisation platforms that make use of patient feedback and ratings.

In what is turning out to be a drawn-out battle between the startup and the medical community, SMC said that such feedback and ratings can be considered to be patient testimonials, which are forbidden under the SMC's Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines and the Handbook on Medical Ethics.

It added that medical practitioners should not be paying for such services by purchasing packages from these platforms for the purpose of obtaining patient testimonials.