Setting Up Tele-OPD in Your Clinic: Equipment, Software & Regulations (2026)

Tele-OPD allows you to consult patients via video call — legally, professionally, and profitably. Since the MoHFW's Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020, thousands of Indian doctors have added tele-OPD to their practice. This guide covers the complete setup.

Legal Framework for Telemedicine in India

The Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020 (issued by MoHFW and NMC) are the governing framework. Key legal requirements:

• MBBS required: Only registered medical practitioners (MBBS or above) can conduct telemedicine consultations. Paramedics, nurses, and AYUSH practitioners have different and more restricted permissions.
• Valid MCI/NMC registration: Your registration number must be provided to the patient at the start of each tele consultation.
• Patient consent: Obtain explicit consent before the consultation — either written or recorded digital consent.
• No sex determination: PC-PNDT restrictions apply equally to tele consultations.
• Schedule H1 drugs restricted: You cannot prescribe Schedule H1 (opioids, psychotropics, etc.) via telemedicine for a first-time patient. Only medicines appropriate to the diagnosed condition and within the prescribing doctor's specialty may be prescribed.

Equipment Requirements

The good news: tele-OPD has minimal equipment requirements compared to in-person practice.

Software Options

Billing for Tele-OPD

Tele-OPD consultations are treated the same as in-person OPD for tax purposes:

• GST exempt: Healthcare services provided by a registered medical practitioner are GST-exempt — this applies to tele-OPD as well
• Income tax: Tele-OPD income is professional income — declare it as you would in-person consultation income
• Payment collection: UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) is the most frictionless option for tele patients. Collect before the consultation begins.
• Receipt: Issue a digital receipt/invoice for every tele consultation

For software that handles tele-OPD billing and scheduling in one place, see Cliniq Flo's telemedicine features.

FAQ

Can I prescribe medicines in a tele-OPD consultation?

Yes — with restrictions. Schedule H1 drugs (listed opioids, psychotropics, and certain other medicines) cannot be prescribed for new patients via telemedicine. All other medicines appropriate to the consultation may be prescribed. Digital prescriptions must include your registration number, signature, and the communication medium (tele).

Do I need a separate registration for tele-OPD?

No separate registration is required for established doctors with valid NMC/state medical council registration. Simply comply with the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020 and maintain consultation records.

Can I see patients from other states via tele?

Yes. Your registration with any state medical council allows you to conduct telemedicine consultations with patients across India. The consultation is deemed to occur at the doctor's location for legal purposes.