The Present Scenario, Ethical, Legal Aspects of Telemedicine and Telehealth Services in India

Abstract

Telemedicine is a new health consultation practice where there is the use of information technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of patients when the doctor and patients are separated by long distances. It enables delivering various health services even to the patient in the most remote areas. It is becoming a more convenient and acceptable healthcare practice in India as India has a vast topography with poor transport communication. Just like face-to-face traditional consultation, telemedicine practice is also not devoid of ethical and legal problems. In India, telemedicine practice comes under the combined jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Department of Information Technology. Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 have been amended recently and the guidelines for telemedicine practices are also included.