Have India’s original Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020) changed in 2025?

The 2020 Guidelines remain the legal foundation; 2024–25 efforts focused on operationalisation, quality metrics, and data governance.

What’s new in 2025 that affects platforms and doctors?

Emphasis on measurable quality (I-TASC), NDHE/ABDM integration, and clearer consent, records and security expectations.

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Published on: Oct 09, 2025
3 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Telemedicine Policy Updates In India 2025: What Changed And Why It Matters

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Telemedicine went from “nice to have” to essential during COVID-19. India’s first clear move - the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (March 2020) - established how registered medical practitioners (RMPs) could consult remotely. Five years later (2025), the legal foundation remains the same, but the policy conversation has matured: the emphasis has shifted from emergency enablement to quality, scale and trustworthy digital-health integration. esanjeevani.mohfw.gov.in

Here’s what’s changed in practice during 2024–25 and what clinicians, health platforms, hospitals and patients need to know.

1) From permission to performance: measurable quality & assessment

Early telemedicine policy focused on what was allowed (who can practice, consent, prescribing). In 2024–25 the focus broadened to how well telemedicine is delivered. New research and tools - for example the Indian Telemedicine Assessment Scale (I-TASC) - provide standardized ways to assess usability, safety, and clinical appropriateness of teleconsult platforms and assisted telemedicine workflows. That matters because regulators and procurement bodies increasingly ask for documented quality metrics before contracting services. Lippincott Journals

Practical takeaway: platforms should prepare for periodic quality audits, implement clinician workflow checklists, and collect user-experience and outcome metrics.

2) eSanjeevani & national program learnings: operational standards

eSanjeevani remains India’s flagship public tele-OPD platform; recent program reports and the NHSRC telemedicine final report capture real-world lessons on scale, workforce training, connectivity limits, and SOPs needed for long-term operations. Those operational standards are being shared as best practices for state health departments and private providers. If you run tele-OPDs, expect guidance on staffing ratios, digital triage, documentation norms and escalation protocols. National Health Systems Resource Centre+1

Practical takeaway: align your tele-OPD SOPs with eSanjeevani/ NHMSC templates to improve interoperability and eligibility for public-private collaborations.

3) Data governance, consent & NDHE alignment

A major 2024–25 theme is better alignment between telemedicine practice and the National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE)/ABDM constructs. While the 2020 guidelines mentioned documentation and privacy, recent policy work is spelling out expectations for consent capture, audit trails, and reasonable security practices under the IT Act and NDHM frameworks. Independent telemedicine reviews and telehealth regulation reports have recommended clearer platform accountability for data handling and logging. Intelehealth+1

Practical takeaway: ensure digital consent flows are auditable, integrate ABHA (health ID) where available, and document security measures in vendor contracts.

4) Clinical scope, prescribing and hybrid care models

Clinical scope guidance remains - some scenarios still require in-person exams - but 2025 policy nudges encourage hybrid models: tele-triage + local diagnostics + in-person escalation when needed. Clinicians are expected to document limitations of remote exams and use remote monitoring or local tests to support decision-making. These pragmatic, workflow-level updates reduce risk and improve patient outcomes. esanjeevani.mohfw.gov.in

Practical takeaway: adopt tele-triage protocols, use home/lab testing partnerships, and always document reasoned clinical judgment when physical exam is limited.

5) Workforce readiness & clinician adoption

Post-2020 the conversation often cited clinician reluctance as a barrier. In 2024–25, training programs, CME modules, and professional society toolkits have increased clinician readiness - and studies show greater comfort among doctors using telemedicine for follow-ups and chronic disease management. Telemedicine adoption is now less about permission and more about clinical workflow redesign. ScienceDirect

Practical takeaway: doctors should complete recommended telemedicine training modules and keep teleconsult records tidy - these are fast becoming minimum professional expectations.

6) Equity & rural access remain central

Policy updates also stress that telemedicine shouldn’t widen disparities. Program reports emphasise assisted telemedicine (health-worker facilitated consults), low-bandwidth solutions, and mobile outreach to bring telemedicine to rural clinics and railway hospitals - practical steps already piloted in several states. The Times of India+1

Practical takeaway: design low-bandwidth workflows and options for caregiver-assisted consultations to reach underserved populations.

Conclusion - what this means for you

By 2025 India’s telemedicine policy picture is no longer just “can you do it?” but “do it well, safely and equitably.” Keep following the 2020 Guidelines for the legal baseline; prepare for platform audits and quality assessment (I-TASC), align records and consent with NDHE/ABHA expectations, and embed hybrid care pathways that combine remote consults with local diagnostics and clear escalation rules. These steps will improve safety, trust and sustainability for telemedicine across India. esanjeevani.mohfw.gov.in+2Lippincott Journals+2

Useful Links & Reports (official / high-quality)

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (MoHFW / eSanjeevani) (2020) - official guideline PDF. esanjeevani.mohfw.gov.in
https://esanjeevani.mohfw.gov.in/assets/guidelines/Telemedicine_Practice_Guidelines.pdf
Telemedicine Final Report (NHSRC / eSanjeevani) - 2025 - program lessons & operational guidance. National Health Systems Resource Centre
https://www.nhsrcindia.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/Telemedicine Final Report 2025.pdf
Indian Telemedicine Assessment Scale (I-TASC) - 2025 study - assessment tool for telemedicine usability and outcomes. Lippincott Journals

Telemedicine regulation & practice reviews (InteleHealth/Global reports) - data governance & code of practice recommendations. Intelehealth

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Read FAQs

A. The 2020 Guidelines remain the legal foundation, but 2024–25 policy work has focused on operationalising them: national program reports, quality assessment tools and clearer data-governance expectations rather than a wholesale rewrite.

A. Regulators and expert bodies now emphasise measurable quality (e.g., tools like I-TASC), better integration with the National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE/ABDM), and stricter expectations on consent, record-keeping and security.

A. Yes — eSanjeevani continues to be the government flagship for public tele-OPDs, and recent national reports describe expansion, standard operating procedures, and lessons for scale.

A. Policy discussion in 2024–25 pushed tighter alignment with the IT Act/NDHM privacy constructs: clearer consent flows, audit trails, and platform accountability — platforms must demonstrate reasonable security practices.

A. Follow the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (patient ID, consent, documentation), complete platform-specific training where offered, adopt I-TASC / quality checklists when available, and integrate teleconsult records with patient EHRs (ABDM IDs) where possible.

Read Blog

Genetic Predisposition Testing India: Understanding Your DNA to Prevent Future Disease

Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s risk for various diseases. In India, where chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders are increasing rapidly, genetic predisposition testing has emerged as a powerful preventive tool. It helps individuals understand inherited risk factors long before symptoms appear, allowing timely intervention.

SecondMedic offers guided genetic screening to help patients uncover DNA-based risks and take proactive control of their long-term health.

What Is Genetic Predisposition Testing?

Genetic predisposition testing analyzes a person’s DNA to identify mutations, variations, or inherited markers associated with increased disease risk. It does not diagnose a disease but reveals how likely an individual is to develop certain conditions.

What the test identifies:

Gene mutations
Family-linked disease patterns
Hereditary cancer markers
Metabolic and cardiovascular risks
Neurological conditions
Autoimmune predispositions

These insights help individuals and doctors make informed preventive health decisions.

Why Genetic Testing Is Growing in India

1. High prevalence of lifestyle and hereditary diseases

India is the diabetes capital of the world, and many metabolic disorders have genetic roots.

2. Increasing cancer burden

BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes are being detected more often.

3. Awareness about preventive healthcare

People want to act early rather than wait for disease onset.

4. Growth of digital healthcare

Easy access through telemedicine platforms like SecondMedic.

5. Rising chronic cases at younger ages

Genetic predispositions often accelerate early onset of disease.

What Diseases Can Genetic Testing Predict?

1. Cancer Risk

Includes hereditary cancers such as:

Breast
Ovarian
Colorectal
Prostate
Pancreatic

BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome genes are key markers.

2. Heart Disease & Hypertension

Genes that influence:

Cholesterol levels
Plaque formation
Blood pressure regulation

3. Diabetes

Genes that affect insulin sensitivity and metabolic function.

4. Obesity

Markers linked to appetite regulation and fat storage.

5. Neurological Disorders

Including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy predispositions.

6. Autoimmune Diseases

Genes related to lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders.

7. Drug Response (Pharmacogenomics)

DNA determines how the body reacts to certain medications.

How Genetic Predisposition Testing Works

Step 1: Sample Collection

Usually saliva, blood, or buccal swab.

Step 2: DNA Sequencing

Advanced technology identifies variations in your genome.

Step 3: Risk Analysis

Gene mutations are mapped to known disease risks.

Step 4: Expert Interpretation

SecondMedic’s genetic counsellors and doctors review results.

Step 5: Preventive Plan

Includes recommended lifestyle changes, screenings, and monitoring.

Benefits of Genetic Predisposition Testing

1. Detect Risk Before Symptoms

Allows decades of preventive action.

2. Personalized Health Planning

Diet, exercise, and medical screening tailored to DNA.

3. Early Cancer Detection

Essential for women with hereditary breast/ovarian cancer risk.

4. Family Health Insights

Identifies conditions that may affect children and siblings.

5. Improved Treatment Outcomes

Knowing your risk helps doctors monitor you more closely.

6. Better Drug Selection

Pharmacogenomics ensures medications match your genetic profile.

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

People with family history of cancer
Individuals whose relatives had early heart attacks
Families with diabetes across generations
Women with breast or ovarian cancer history
Couples planning pregnancy
People with unexplained chronic conditions
Individuals wanting personalized preventive healthcare

Limitations of Genetic Testing

1. Not a diagnosis

It shows probability, not certainty.

2. Environmental and lifestyle factors still matter

Genes interact with habits and environment.

3. Requires professional interpretation

Raw results without counselling can be confusing.

SecondMedic ensures accurate guidance through experienced specialists.

How SecondMedic Supports Genetic Testing

1. End-to-End Genetic Screening

From sample collection to detailed analysis.

2. Expert Review

Genetic counselors and doctors explain every risk factor.

3. Personalized Preventive Plan

Nutrition, exercise, and screening based on DNA.

4. Confidential Reporting

All data is securely stored.

5. Integrated Preventive Tracking

Follow-up tests and monitoring for high-risk individuals.

Future of Genetic Testing in India

AI-based genome interpretation
Affordable whole-genome sequencing
Predictive analytics for early cancer
Family-wide health risk mapping
Integration with digital health IDs under ABDM

SecondMedic aims to make genetic screening widely accessible and scientifically guided.

Conclusion

Genetic predisposition testing India empowers individuals by revealing inherited disease risks long before symptoms develop. It supports preventive healthcare, early cancer detection, and personalized wellness planning. With platforms like SecondMedic offering expert-guided genetic testing, Indians can now take proactive control of their long-term health.

To book your genetic test, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

ICMR – Genetic research insights
NIH – Genetic testing guidelines
WHO – Genomic medicine developments
Statista – DNA testing market India
SecondMedic genetic health studies

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