On the 4th day of June, 2022, the Jamaica Observer published an article headed “Electronic Transmission of Prescriptions Lawful’ noting that the Attorney General’s Chambers have declared the transmission of electronic prescriptions to be lawful. Subsequent to the publishing of this article the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton had written to the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica sharing the announcement by the Attorney General and advising them to proceed accordingly. The Council has been invited to make recommendations and guidelines to further advise the use of electronic prescriptions on the island.
MDLink has been a trailblazer in the dissemination of electronic prescriptions for the past 5 years as they offer convenience and increased access to healthcare via their telehealth platform. From its inception, MDLink has always strived to comply with the legal requirements set out in both the Data Protection Act, 2020 as well as the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Additionally, they have been keen to follow international standards of data protection as they serve countries in the wider Caribbean region including the Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia, the British Virgin Islands, Trinidad, the Bahamas and more. What these regulations ensure is that healthcare practitioners are practicing using appropriate measures to safeguard patient’s personal data, privacy and security.
MDLink provides healthcare services to patients via its digital platform. Patients are able to access treatment from their doctors using text, video calls and voice calls. Patients can be assessed, treated or advised to have an in-person meeting with a doctor for further assessment based on anticipated severity. Additionally, patients can get prescription refills and follow-ups all from the convenience of their homes, offices or anywhere convenient to them with internet access.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare workers have turned to digital platforms such as Zoom and WhatsApp to treat their patients and administer prescriptions, which served as a means of protecting themselves and their patients from the virus by maintaining social distance and limiting in-person contact. What has made MDLink stand out from its local counterparts during this time is its digital platform made specifically for the purpose of administering telehealth care. This platform has been carefully developed to protect patient’s personal data and maintain privacy, and unlike other digital platforms, MDLink’s platform is created with data protection at the centre.
In particular, health data for patients is recognized as highly sensitive, and MDLink’s platform ensures only those authorised to view sensitive patient information have access to its storage and transmission if necessary. Patients are required to give consent on the platform before sharing any information with a healthcare provider with their rights clearly outlined for them before treatment. Additionally, with the pharmacies that have partnered with MDLink, there are systems in place to ensure that there are not any instances of dual dispensing of medication but that patients are only administered what their doctors deem necessary for treatment.
Samantha Moore, Partner at Ramsay & Partners, who specializes in Data Protection and who represents MDLink, has noted that “MDLink has always strived to maintain the highest standard of data protection for its patients. It has been the entity’s main priority to comply with the local and international standards for data protection in healthcare and specifically telehealth. As the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica continues to assess the situation, we will ensure to remain abreast of any changes in regulations and ensure MDLink is fully compliant in its operations.”
President, CEO and Chief Medical Officer at MDLink, Dr Ché Bowen added, “The acknowledgement of the legality of the electronic transmission of prescriptions by our Minister of Health and Attorney General is a major win for the future of digital and modernised healthcare in Jamaica and the region. As we see an increase in electronic prescriptions, MDLink hopes to continue to be the standard followed to ensure patients all over the island are being treated in safe, trustworthy spaces. MDLink continues to serve the public professionally and at the highest standard.”
Additionally, MDLink encourages all healthcare practitioners to move toward the new digital trends taking place in healthcare on the island as this is a great step towards the advancement of Jamaica’s health sector. This will further place Jamaica’s healthcare on par with its first-world counterparts.
All medical doctors have the opportunity to register on MDLink’s platform for free once their licenses are up to date. That way, healthcare providers that have been using other digital platforms to treat their patients, will be able to access the additional security and protection from MDLink’s advanced system. Any pharmacies islandwide that are interested in partnering with MDLink can also reach out at info@themdlink.com.