Regulator bars e-prescription of non-OTC drugs in India

Indian doctors using telemedicine can only prescribe OTC Drugs, according to the National Medical Commission.

Based on the medical profession regulator's latest rules of professional conduct of registered medical practitioners in the country, doctors cannot prescribe via telemedicine drugs classified under Schedule X of the Drug and Cosmetic Act, including anti-cancer drugs. 

The regulations also frown upon medical practitioners who insist on conducting telemedicine when a patient is willing to travel to a health facility and/or requests an in-person consultation. 

Meanwhile, the new regulations order doctors to keep digital records, such as patient records, reports, and images, for three years from their patient's last consultation. 

Hong Kong's Health Department to hasten public health digitalisation

The Hong Kong Department of Health has recently tied up with technology incubator Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation to pursue public health digitalisation.

Under their memorandum of understanding, they will explore innovative solutions in four areas: health regulatory affairs, health protection and health promotion, health administration, and dental and clinical services. 

To this end, they will be working on six public health application areas: smart health regulatory functions, smart clinics, smart workflow re-engineering, smart customer services, online engagement, and data collaboration.

Their pursuit of new solutions will also allow tech ventures to test their tailor-made solutions in real-life operating settings. 

UMP to rollout Imsight's AI-assisted CXR analysis tool

Hong Kong-listed medical group UMP will soon offer AI-powered medical imaging analysis. 

The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Imsight Technology to deploy the DR-Sight medical imaging solution to its centres in Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China. 

The AI-powered technology provides diagnostic support for analysing chest X-rays. It can identify various chest findings, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, pulmonary oedema, and pneumothorax. It is also capable of alerting doctors of suspicious findings, which then enables early interventions.