How to Start Telemedicine in Your Clinic: India's Legal Framework and Practical Setup

Legal Framework: What Is Permitted Under India's Telemedicine Guidelines

The Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020 (MCI/NMC) permit every registered doctor to offer telemedicine services. Key rules:

• First consultation via tele permitted — but doctor must be able to request in-person if needed
• Prescriptions via teleconsultation are legal — limited to medicines appropriate for the channel
• Video, audio, text channels are all permitted — video preferred for clinical assessment
• Schedule H1 & narcotic drugs cannot be prescribed via teleconsultation
• A digital prescription must be issued — same legal requirements as in-person

Which Platforms Are Legal for Teleconsultation?

The guidelines do not mandate specific platforms. These are all explicitly or implicitly permitted:

• WhatsApp video call — most common, zero setup for patients
• Google Meet / Zoom — better recording and waiting room features
• Dedicated telemedicine platforms — Practo, 1mg, eSanjeevani
• Your own clinic software's video feature — if integrated

Setting Up Teleconsultation in Your Clinic in 7 Days

How to Charge for Teleconsultations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prescribe antibiotics via teleconsultation?

Yes, most antibiotics can be prescribed via teleconsultation if clinically appropriate. Exceptions: Schedule H1 drugs require in-person prescription. Always document your clinical reasoning in the teleconsultation record.

Is a teleconsultation prescription legally valid at pharmacies?

Yes. A digital prescription from a registered doctor is legally valid. Some pharmacies may initially be unfamiliar — having the doctor's full registration details and signature on the digital prescription helps.

Related guides: Increasing Clinic Revenue → | WhatsApp for Clinics →