SINGAPORE – Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has firmly stated that there is no necessity for Singapore to overhaul its existing telemedicine standards and requirements.

Speaking in Parliament on November 11, 2023, Ong emphasized that the current enforcement mechanisms are sufficiently effective in addressing non-compliance among telehealth operators.

Ong responded to concerns raised by Dr. Wan Rizal and Ms. Hany Soh regarding the robustness of regulations following issues identified at the MaNaDr Clinic.

This clinic, recently scrutinized for its questionable practices, was found to have doctors conducting extremely brief teleconsultations, some lasting less than a minute, and issuing multiple medical certificates (MCs) within short time frames. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is set to revoke MaNaDr Clinic's license due to these violations.

Under the current framework of the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA), telemedicine providers in Singapore are mandated to ensure that consultations occur through secure, two-way audiovisual communications in private settings.

Furthermore, medical professionals must adhere to the Singapore Medical Council’s (SMC) ethical guidelines, which require thorough patient assessments and justified medical care.

Ong reiterated that ongoing audits of telehealth licensees are conducted by the Ministry of Health, with strict actions against those violating regulations.

He commented, "If you violate these regulations and ethical guidelines, you can expect consequences."

The case of the MaNaDr Clinic drew particular attention due to numerous complaints from both patients and employers.

Reports indicated that practitioners were often completing consultations too quickly, leading to suspicions regarding the legitimacy of the services provided. Some employees were even applying for sick leave while they were abroad, raising further ethical concerns.

Despite the lapses, Ong assured that the problematic practices at MaNaDr lasted only a few months before actions were taken to correct them, demonstrating the effectiveness of existing enforcement measures.

With the HCSA having been introduced to modernize regulatory practices in the context of a post-pandemic healthcare landscape, it aims to support an aging population and improve access to healthcare services through technology.

The legislation, which began transitioning from the previous Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act back in 2020, reached full implementation by the end of 2023.

Ong acknowledged the immense potential of telemedicine to enhance patient care but cautioned against overly stringent regulatory responses that could stifle innovation.

"New technologies bring both opportunities and challenges," he stated.

"We must strike a balance between enforcing regulations and leveraging the benefits that these advancements offer."

As Singapore navigates its evolving healthcare landscape, Ong's remarks signal a commitment to maintaining high standards while embracing the future of medical care delivery.