Hong Kong’s Health Bureau responds to raised telehealth concerns

This follows the Consumer Council's publication of telehealth study findings.

The Health Bureau reiterated its long-standing position that any kind of medical service, including in-person consultations and telehealth services, should be provided by qualified healthcare professionals to ensure citizens receive quality healthcare.

The bureau made this statement following the release of the results of a study conducted by the Consumer Council focused on enhancing governance in telehealth.

In response to the findings, the bureau pointed out that the delivery of such qualified healthcare professionals is governed by the regulatory boards and councils of relevant healthcare professions.

Currently, the Medical Council of Hong Kong and the Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board under the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong have already promulgated guidelines for telehealth practice.

The scope of the guidelines covers operational issues, including establishing a doctor-patient relationship, evaluating patients’ suitability for telehealth services, obtaining informed consent, and protecting patient privacy.

The bureau added that the Hong Kong government will ensure that the boards and councils of various healthcare professions will formulate and update specific telehealth guidelines promptly based on their professional practice and operational needs, to protect the interests of patients and healthcare professionals.

In cases of complaints against the telehealth services provided by healthcare professionals, the bureau emphasised that the public may contact the regulatory boards and councils of relevant healthcare professions.