Karnataka government allows telemedicine with strict riders

The Karnataka government has given its nod to all Registered Medical Practitioners (RMP) of the state to practice telemedicine consultations and prescribe medications for the 21-day lockdown period or till such time the lockdowns are effective by the state government. The government has laid out conditions under which such consultations will be allowed. However, it does not permit doctors to prescribe injections or treat a clinically suspected case of COVID-19.

Bengaluru:As part of its social distancing measures to prevent community transmission of COVID-19, the Karnataka state government has given its nod for telemedicine.

The state government, in an order issued on Thursday, said that all Registered Medical Practitioners (RMP) of Karnataka would be allowed to practice telemedicine consultations and prescribe medications for the 21-day lockdown period or till such time the lockdowns are effective by the state government.

However, the government in its order has mentioned the conditions under which such consultations will be allowed. The telemedicine consultations have been restricted to minor ailments and routine follow-up and in cases where the patient's medical history is known to doctors.

It does not permit doctors to prescribe injections or treat a clinically suspected case of COVID-19.

Besides, the state government has directed the doctors to follow the below- mentioned guidelines while prescribing medicines to patients.

1. The prescription should be on the letterhead of the registered medical practitioner with signature and details and the pdf of the prescription should be sent to the patient.

2. RMP should mention as a header that the prescription is given based on a telephonic consultation and he should note down short relevant history on letterhead.

3. The doctors can refer to any images sent by the patient about their disease.

4. The prescription should be dated and the period of medication should be mentioned.

5. All records should be strictly preserved by the doctors.

6. As and when the training or module is available the RMP shall comply with the same and document it in the prescription.

7. No advice to be given in word format or any social media.