Telemedicine: What a New Doctor May Do Online

What a new doctor may prescribe online

The rules sit inside the ethics code

The Telemedicine Practice Guidelines sit inside the medical ethics rules of 2002, which the National Medical Commission enforces. They bind any doctor who consults online.

List O is the one you may always use

Over the counter medicines such as paracetamol, rehydration salts and cough lozenges. These go on any mode, whether the consultation is on video, on the phone or by text.

List A needs a video consultation first

Medicines such as antifungal creams sit here. On a first consultation they may be prescribed only if it is on video. Refills for a long illness may go on any mode.

List B is for follow ups only

These are add on medicines, used to tune treatment a patient is already on, such as adding a second tablet for diabetes. They belong to a follow up, never a first contact.

Two kinds of drug are simply out

Schedule X, the tightly controlled drug list, and narcotic or psychotropic substances cannot be prescribed online at all. The guidelines say they carry a high risk of abuse.

Keep the log, and mind what you post

Keep a record of every interaction and prescription. Since 6 October 2026 the National Medical Commission wants your name, qualifications and registration number on posts.

Want the advertising rules in full

Our guide to the new advertising guidelines sets out what a doctor may post, what counts as promotion, and the disclosures every electronic media post now needs.