Published on April 2025 | Medical Negligence, Legal Complexities, India

A Study on The Legal Complexities Surrounding Medical Negligence in Telemedicine in India

Telemedicine has become a transformative solution in healthcare, offering opportunities for patients and healthcare providers to connect across distances. However, its rapid adoption has introduced significant legal challenges, particularly regarding medical negligence, data privacy and regulatory compliance. This study aimed to examine these legal complexities in India’s evolving healthcare landscape. An empirical research methodology was employed, with a sample of 400 respondents from Chennai, using structured questionnaires to capture both quantitative and qualitative data on telemedicine’s effectiveness, public perceptions and legal challenges. Data were analyzed through visual tools like pie charts and bar charts to identify trends and patterns. The study revealed that the majority of respondents supported increased awareness of telemedicine, with 61% agreeing that it could improve healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine’s effectiveness was rated moderately high, with 29% giving it a 7 out of 10. However, concerns about medical negligence were prominent, especially regarding the lack of physical examination, which was cited as a major factor contributing to errors. Participants also widely supported more awareness of the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020), with 51% highly agreeing. Increased access to healthcare was identified as the key benefit of telemedicine, particularly for patients in remote areas. These findings suggest that while telemedicine offers significant benefits, concerns about negligence, technical issues and the need for regulatory awareness among healthcare providers are pressing. To ensure safe and effective telemedicine practices, it is essential to address these challenges through clearer legal frameworks and technological improvements. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of ongoing collaboration between legal experts, healthcare providers and policymakers to refine telemedicine practices, mitigate legal risks and maximize its potential in enhancing healthcare accessibility in India.