Hospitals body backs NMC move on remote authentication of medical records

New Delhi: Private hospitals body, Nathealth said it welcomes the National Medical Commission's (NMC) move enabling Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) to remotely review and digitally authenticate electronic medical records.

It said the decision is a significant step towards strengthening digital health and making quality healthcare more accessible across the country, especially in smaller towns and remote areas where specialists are fewer.

Dr.

Sangita Reddy, President, Nathealth and Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, said, "This is a progressive and much-needed step for healthcare in India.

Nathealth has consistently advocated for remote authentication of medical records and had recommended it to the Government, and we are glad to see it recognised.

When a patient's report no longer has to wait for a doctor to be physically present at the facility, care becomes faster and more accessible.

It strengthens digital health in the country, while keeping clinical judgement, accountability and patient safety at the core."From a diagnostics perspective, this matter a great deal, added Shankha Banerjee, Treasurer, Nathealth and CEO, Dr Lal PathLabs.

He said, "For a long time, there was uncertainty about signing off reports remotely.

The NMC’s clarification settles that, and it does so without compromising accountability, since the doctor’s responsibility for every report stays exactly where it should be.

For a diagnostics provider, this matters a great deal.

It will help us extend service hours availability and reach more patients, including in places where specialists aren’t always available on site.

Patients get their quality reports faster, and that is what matters.”This comes after the NMC issued an advisory on October 13 clarifying that doctors can remotely review and sign electronic medical records using a digital or electronic signature recognised under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The advisory covers laboratory, pathology and radiology reports, diagnostic interpretations, discharge summaries and other electronic clinical documents.

The doctor must review the relevant clinical information and exercise independent professional judgement before authenticating a record and remains fully accountable for it.