As the digital age continues to shape our global society, an array of industries have adopted online platforms to cater to an ever-growing digital populace. Among them, the medical sector is witnessing a surge in online services, driven by technological advancements and public demand. The Beijing municipal health authorities have recognized the importance of ensuring the quality and security of these services. They have recently rolled out a set of trial measures that aim to regulate online diagnosis and treatment.
1. Understanding the Trial Measures
The primary objective of these measures is to improve and standardize online medical services. As reported by the Beijing Daily, these measures emphasize strengthening drug management procedures and, notably, the prohibition of artificial intelligence (AI) in generating automatic prescriptions.
This move is perceived as a reaction to the escalating reliance on and demand for online medical facilities. It’s an attempt to strike a balance between technological convenience and medical efficacy and safety.
To ensure transparency and collective decision-making, the authorities have extended an invitation to the public for their feedback. This feedback will be instrumental in finalizing the measures. Stakeholders have until September 16 to share their views with the Beijing municipal health commission.
2. Emphasizing Authenticity and Experience in Online Medical Practice
One of the cardinal rules in the trial measures is the emphasis on genuine certification. Medical institutions are mandated to conduct real-name certifications for medical personnel intending to offer online medical services. It’s not just about names; it’s about credibility. Doctors, to be eligible for providing online services, need to:
- Have the right qualifications in their respective fields.
- Possess a minimum of three years of independent clinical experience.
- Secure the consent of the medical institutions they’re registered with.
This means that there’s no room for imposters. AI software or other personnel cannot masquerade as doctors to provide diagnoses or treatments. This rule underpins the need to maintain human touch and judgment in an increasingly automated world.
3. The Broader Context: China’s Stance on AI and Digital Identity
China has been at the forefront of regulating the digital arena, especially the AI sector. The recent measures by Beijing mirror a broader national sentiment. In July, China’s internet watchdog, in collaboration with several other authorities, launched interim rules to oversee generative AI services. This move was born out of the need to foster healthy AI development, while simultaneously safeguarding national security and public welfare.
Another facet of these regulations is the ‘real-name mechanism’ which mandates patients to present their authentic identity and fundamental details. To avail of online medical services, patients must present medical records clearly stating their diagnosis, like outpatient medical records. Such requirements ensure traceability and accountability in the digital medical ecosystem.
4. Oversight and Monitoring: The Path Ahead
The Beijing municipal health commission, recognizing the criticality of regular oversight, intends to develop a dedicated platform. This platform’s chief objective will be to supervise medical institutions that delve into internet diagnosis and treatment.
The regulations don’t stop at establishing a platform. Medical institutions will have to consistently upload and update their practice data. Regular monitoring ensures that the institutions remain compliant, thereby upholding the quality of online medical services.
5. The Growing Appetite for Remote Medical Services
The allure of remote medical services is undeniable. Their convenience is drawing an increasing number of people. Local authorities across China have acknowledged this trend and are championing digital medical services. A testimony to this is Qingdao, East China’s Shandong Province. The city has unveiled a health platform integrated with 10 districts and 3,498 medical institutions, a move celebrated by Qingdao’s health officials.
6. The Challenges Ahead and the National Response
While online medical services offer convenience, they aren’t without challenges. Some platforms are devoid of pricing benchmarks or even the necessary qualifications for internet diagnosis and treatment. The media has, on numerous occasions, spotlighted these issues, indicating a need for more structured regulations.
The Digital China Development Report 2022 disclosed some eye-opening figures. By October 2022, China was home to over 2,700 internet hospitals, catering to a staggering 25.9 million people. The sheer scale underscores the urgency to regulate.
March 2022 marked another milestone. The national health authorities launched a guideline on internet-based diagnosis and treatment. This guideline resonates with Beijing’s trial measures, emphasizing real-name certification for doctors and ensuring that AI or other personnel cannot falsely assume the role of a doctor.
Conclusion
As the world migrates online, ensuring the authenticity, efficacy, and safety of digital medical services becomes paramount. Beijing’s trial measures are a step in the right direction, reflecting a national and global need to standardize online medical services. With proper implementation and continuous feedback, these measures can be a blueprint for other regions, ensuring that the digital transition remains patient-centric.
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