Ensuring Quality and Continuity of Care and Role of Pharmacists in Light of Increased Use of Telemedicine and Third-Party Medication Delivery Platforms

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the Ministry's assessment on the increased use of telemedicine and third-party medication delivery platforms on the continuity of care and the clinical advisory role of pharmacists; and (b) how the Ministry ensures that care quality is not compromised as dispensing becomes more decentralised.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Telemedicine needs to be delivered appropriately and carefully, especially when it involves third-party medication delivery platforms.

Hence, safeguards have been instituted to regulate telemedicine. All telemedicine service providers need to have doctors as licensed holders. Registered medical practitioners providing telemedicine must adhere to the Singapore Medical Council's Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines.

Retail pharmacies, under the oversight of a qualified pharmacist, must comply with the Singapore Standard Guideline for the supply and delivery of medication (SS 644: 2025). Pharmacists must also adhere to the Singapore Pharmacy Council's Code of Conduct. Finally, patients must be counselled concerning the proper use of dispensed medications regardless of care setting.