Consumer Council advocates on Telehealth Services
發佈日期: 2025-08-20 00:16
TVB News
Over the past five years, the Consumer Council had received seven complaints about telehealth services. The Council points out some platforms lack transparency, calling on the government to strengthen the regulation.
Telehealth services became popular since the COVID-19, in which patients received medical service online through video.
Among the seven complaint cases received by the Consumer Council in the past five years, the failure to provide services or refunds were the most common issues.
Since last June, the Comsumer Council surveyed around 400 users, 800 doctors and Chinese medical practitioners and reviewed 19 service providers.
Almost all the medical practitioners believe that telehealth services need improvement, with 67 percent advocating for the establishment of guidelines and legislative amendments.
Four service providers said their teleconsultation would not give diagnosis and treatment, but would give out sick notes. Five platforms did not provide fee information in advance.
The Consumer Council said the regulation framework is fragmented, and supervision should be strengthened.
Clement Chan Kam-Wing, chairman of the Consumer Council, said: "The Chairman advocates the Government to continue its reform on enhancing the quality and efficiency of healthcare."
The Council proposed several recommendations, including the collaboration between the government and medical organisations, as well as more detailed guidelines.
A whitelist of telehealth platforms is also suggested to prove credible service.
The Council said it hopes more senior citizens can use the service and it can be expanded to cover more cross-boundary patients.
