While the recent controversy surrounding MaNaDr Clinic has sparked discussions about the telemedicine industry, healthcare professionals view it as an important wake-up call. They believe it can drive higher standards, improve transparency, and implement safeguards to maintain public trust.
For 14 months, the telemedicine hotline run by Mr. Sivachandran Murugasu’s (founder of Abella Agency) company received 60 to 90 calls daily. However, despite the high call volume, only three patients were deemed appropriate for consultation during that time.
“The majority of callers ask for medical certificates (MCs), which we immediately decline,” shared Mr. Sivachandran, a seasoned nurse whose company obtained its telemedicine license in September 2023. His team at Abella Agency, which also offers 24/7 emergency ambulance services, provides free triage over the phone, guiding patients toward teleconsultation or hospital visits based on their symptoms. Patients are charged only if they consult a doctor.
“We genuinely aim to assist patients rather than just generate revenue,” he emphasized.
Telemedicine Faces Increased Scrutiny
Praised for its convenience and cost savings, telemedicine has come under scrutiny following revelations about MaNaDr Clinic’s operational lapses. The Ministry of Health (MOH) found that video consultations lasting under a minute were routinely concluding with prescriptions and MCs. MOH has since moved to revoke MaNaDr Clinic’s license and referred 41 doctors involved to the Singapore Medical Council for potential professional misconduct.
This controversy has sparked debate on how to prevent the misuse of telemedicine for illegitimate MC requests. Similar issues arose earlier this year when Medstar Medical Clinic was suspended for providing MCs via its PocketCare telemedicine website without consultations. The clinic rectified its processes during a three-month suspension and resumed services in June 2024.
COVID-19 Accelerated Telemedicine Growth
Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine adoption surged as a necessity for social distancing and to reduce strain on hospitals. Virtual wards emerged as an innovative solution, enabling remote monitoring for less severe cases and saving over 5,000 bed days in 2021.
Even after the pandemic, telemedicine remains a crucial option for managing chronic conditions, mental health support, and follow-up consultations. The National University Health System (NUHS) and SingHealth report conducting tens of thousands of teleconsultations annually, reflecting the service’s growing role in Singapore’s healthcare landscape.
Balancing Benefits and Limitations
Telemedicine provides convenience and accessibility, particularly for patients with mobility constraints or busy schedules. However, its limitations, such as the inability to perform physical exams, pose challenges for accurate diagnoses. Ethical lapses, like patients misrepresenting symptoms to obtain medications, highlight the need for stricter controls.
Healthcare experts advocate for integrating telehealth with in-person care to ensure continuity and build trust between patients and providers. Telemedicine is best suited for follow-ups and chronic care, enabling doctors to provide personalized support without requiring in-person visits.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Integration
The telemedicine sector is poised for further growth, supported by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), wearable technology, and even robotics. An ingenious example of this is the trial conducted in October 2023 by clinician-scientists from the National University Hospital (NUH) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Using robotic arms and a high-speed fiber-optic network, surgeons in Singapore remotely performed a gastrectomy on a simulated organ located in Nagoya, Japan. This trial demonstrated the feasibility of robotic telesurgery, which could one day enable medical procedures in remote or conflict-stricken regions.
In addition to robotics, initiatives like SingHealth’s centralized telehealth hubs and services for seniors highlight the government’s commitment to enhancing telemedicine capabilities. These hubs integrate clinical and administrative staff under one roof, offering soundproof consultation pods and streamlining telehealth services for a wide range of patients.
While telemedicine cannot entirely replace face-to-face consultations, its complementary role in healthcare is undeniable. By addressing current gaps and maintaining high standards, telemedicine is set to remain a vital part of Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem. “Telemedicine is here to stay,” said healthcare professionals.
Adapted from: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/big-read/telemedicine-future-healthcare-doctors-patients-4747776
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