With the growth of telemedicine, doctors must strictly follow the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020) and relevant laws to avoid legal and professional consequences. Before prescribing online, it is essential to confirm the patient’s identity by verifying their name, age, gender, and at least one contact detail such as email or phone. Consent is a must—patient-initiated consults imply consent, but doctor-initiated ones require explicit, documented approval. A thorough medical history should always be taken, as the doctor remains fully responsible for diagnosis and treatment decisions made remotely.
Prescribing is limited to over-the-counter or List A drugs during the first consultation, with stricter controls on follow-ups. Schedule X drugs, narcotics, and psychotropics are strictly prohibited via telemedicine. Every prescription must include the doctor’s credentials, signature,…
