The government will likely improve an online treatment system to cover a person's first medical consultation for a limited time as part of efforts to prevent in-hospital infections that result from the coronavirus, according to sources.
In principle, the first consultation with a patient is offered only in a face-to-face meeting with a doctor. However, the government may allow patients to receive their first consultation using devices such as smartphones, they said.
The government is expected to make a final decision in giving the green light for the new treatment system in early April, after finishing the detailed terms based on the opinions of the Council for Regulatory Reform and the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry.
Patients would receive consultation from doctors via video-calling with smartphones and tablets, among other devices, in the online medical system. However, it would not be applied to patients with no medical history at a hospital.
The council, chaired by Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Chairman Yoshimitsu Kobayashi, has been asking the government to include first consultations in the online treatment scheme.
A specially appointed task force of experts, which held their first meeting Thursday, started working on a detailed study regarding the online service. They are expected to compile a report as early as next week.
The ministry held an advisory committee meeting on Thursday and conditionally approved the council's plan.
The online treatment system basically covers only patients with medical history at a hospital who have developed any symptoms.
Some ministry officials were reluctant about the idea of allowing patients with no medical history to use the service, the sources said.
The ministry is expected to report its decision to the council Friday.
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