HPCSA slams unethical telemedicine service

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has condemned a new telephone-based service which invites patients to call a doctor for medical advice.

This service, known as "Hello Doctor", has not been approved by the HPCSA and it is not registered as a medical service in South Africa.

The HPCSA says that it will not approve the service as it poses risks to patient confidentiality, continuity of care and the process of obtaining valid consent. It urges all registered doctors to avoid involvement with unethical telemedicine services such as "Hello Doctor", and to continue practising in line with existing ethical guidelines and regulations.

The HPCSA also advises patients not to use the service as it says it violates patients’ rights. It points out that a medical assessment is needed to make a correct diagnosis, so using the service could mean patients are misdiagnosed.

The regulator has also struck out at a service which provides patients with sick notes via SMS, often in exchange for money. It has condemned such a service, and has reported it – along with "Hello Doctor" – to the Undesirable Business Practice Committee for consideration.

New telemedicine guidelines are currently being drafted by the HPCSA to clarify the issue.