Teleconsultation duration not the only thing that matters, says MOH about MaNaDr’s minimum 1-minute rule

GOVERNANCE

At the press conference, MaNaDr co-founder and chief executive officer Siaw Tung Yeng sought to draw a distinction between its clinic operations and its telemedicine technology platform.

The two are businesses that are run separately under its parent entity Mobile-health Network Solutions, he said. The licence that was revoked applies only to its physical clinic at City Gate, which is managed under a subsidiary called MaNaDr Clinic.

In response to multiple questions on why questionable practices at the clinic in City Gate were not detected earlier, Dr Siaw said that the subsidiary that runs its clinic operations “is independent and manages itself”.

MOH said on Wednesday that under the Healthcare Services Act, all licensees and their key officeholders are “ultimately responsible” for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, regardless of the licensee’s corporate structure. 

“Licensees are also fully accountable for the safety and quality of the healthcare services provided by the clinic, including telemedicine services, and must ensure that the services comply with the applicable ethical and professional standards. 

“In this instance, as the principal officer and clinical governance officer of MaNaDr clinic, Dr Siaw would have been responsible for the day-to-day management of the clinic and provision of clinical governance and technical oversight over the clinic’s services,” MOH said.

It added that any doctor who practices, whether as a locum practitioner or employee, does not operate independently, but must be under the supervision and oversight of the licensee and their key officeholders.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

MOH also pointed out reports that MaNaDr would be implementing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance clinical standards, transcribe doctor-patient conversations, and consolidate prescribed treatment plans and other relevant medical records.

It said that while AI may enhance efficiency in clinical settings and has the potential to improve patient outcomes, it also brings about “inherent risks and ethical concerns”.

The ministry has put in place a framework to regulate and govern AI in healthcare.

“Licensees are reminded that, notwithstanding their use of MaNaDr platform’s AI tools, they continue to be responsible for ensuring compliance with licensing requirements under HCSA, including patient safety and welfare for all services provided,” said MOH.

For instance, where AI tools are used for transcribing consultations or consolidating prescribed treatment plans, licensees must ensure they are accurate, confidential and secure.

They must also confirm if the AI tools need to be registered with the Health Sciences Authority and ensure that “fair and non-biased data” was used to train it.

“MOH would like to reiterate that licensees are accountable and responsible for the licensable healthcare service provided, including the conduct of their healthcare professionals and deployment of technological tools, and should comply with all necessary regulatory requirements,” it said.