Health · Planned · 3 sources combined
Telemedicine starts Dec 24
First-time patients: 7-day prescription limit
In short
Starting December 24, telemedicine becomes an official system.
New patients can generally receive prescriptions for up to 7 days.
Both the medical community and patient groups oppose the new standards.
Key facts
| When | Telemedicine becomes an official system starting December 24. |
|---|---|
| Who | The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced detailed standards on October 19. |
| What | General care requires an in-person visit within 6 months; first-time patients are allowed only at clinics in the same city or province. |
| How | First-time prescriptions are generally limited to 7 days; narcotics and weight-loss drugs are prohibited. |
What it means for me
Starting December 24, telemedicine eligibility will vary depending on your symptoms.
If you have a regular hospital, you can use telemedicine based on visits within 6 months.
If you frequently visit a clinic for chronic conditions, telemedicine access becomes easier.
