Telemedicine has become an integral part of healthcare delivery in India, especially with the rapid expansion of digital health infrastructure. As we move into 2026, doctors, clinics, and hospitals must stay informed about the prevailing guidelines and regulations to ensure compliant and effective virtual consultations. The core framework remains the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines issued in March 2020 by the Board of Governors in supersession of the Medical Council of India, now overseen by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

These guidelines continue to govern telemedicine practice in 2026, with ongoing emphasis on integration with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) for seamless health data exchange. This article provides a clear, updated overview of the key regulations, recent developments, and practical implications for healthcare providers.

The Foundation: Telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020

The 2020 guidelines legalized and structured telemedicine in India, addressing long-standing ambiguities. They define telemedicine as the delivery of healthcare services using information and communication technologies when distance separates the patient and doctor.

Key principles include:

• Only Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) enrolled with the NMC or state medical councils can provide teleconsultations.
• Consultations must follow the same professional standards as in-person visits, including patient identification, informed consent, and maintenance of records.
• Modes of consultation: Video (preferred), audio, or text-based, depending on the case suitability.

No major amendments to the core guidelines have been issued as of early 2026, but references in insurance and digital health policies continue to cite them “as amended from time to time,” allowing flexibility for future updates.

Key Rules for Conducting Teleconsultations in 2026

Doctors must adhere to strict protocols:

1. Patient Identification and Consent: Verify patient identity (preferably with photo ID or ABHA ID). Obtain explicit consent for telemedicine, preferably recorded.
2. Scope of Practice:
   • First consultations can be via telemedicine for most conditions.
   • Prescriptions are categorized:
     • List O: Over-the-counter medicines, safe to prescribe.
     • List A: Commonly used medicines for follow-ups or video consultations.
     • List B: Medicines that can be prescribed after video consultation.
     • Prohibited: Narcotics, psychotropics, and Schedule X drugs cannot be prescribed via telemedicine.
3. Continuity of Care: Maintain digital records for at least three years. Share prescriptions and advice securely.
4. Misconduct and Liability: Violations can lead to disciplinary action under NMC regulations. Doctors are liable for negligence as in physical practice.

Integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) in 2026

A significant evolution by 2026 is the deeper linkage with ABDM. Over 840 million ABHA IDs have been created, making digital health identities widespread.

For telemedicine platforms:

• Integration with ABDM is strongly encouraged and increasingly mandatory for certain providers, especially those linked to government schemes like AB-PMJAY hospitals.
• Features like ABHA linking, consent-based health record sharing, and unified health interface (UHI) enable interoperable consultations.
• Platforms must ensure data flows securely through ABDM’s health information exchange.

This integration enhances continuity: A patient’s records from one provider can be accessed (with consent) during teleconsultations elsewhere.

Data Privacy and Security Requirements

Telemedicine involves sensitive health data, governed by:

• The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), which mandates consent, purpose limitation, and security measures.
• ABDM’s data fiduciary rules for health data.

Platforms must implement end-to-end encryption, secure storage, and audit trails. Breaches can attract penalties under DPDP.

Recent Developments and Expectations for 2026

As of January 2026:

• eSanjeevani, the national telemedicine service, has delivered hundreds of millions of consultations, setting benchmarks.
• Insurance regulations require telemedicine offerings to comply with 2020 guidelines.
• Focus on rural intensification and specialist hubs under ABDM.

Anticipated trends include:

• Greater emphasis on ABDM certification for private platforms.
• Potential refinements for AI-assisted consultations and cross-border limitations (telemedicine remains restricted to within India).

Compliance Tips for Clinics and Software Providers

To operate legally:

• Use ABDM-integrated software for ABHA creation and record sharing.
• Train staff on consent and prescription rules.
• Choose platforms with built-in compliance features like encrypted video, digital prescriptions, and record management.

Solutions like Doccure provide full adherence to telemedicine guidelines and ABDM standards. With features such as branded patient apps, secure consultations, and seamless integration, they help doctors focus on care while staying compliant.

Looking Ahead

The telemedicine regulatory landscape in India remains stable yet adaptive in 2026, built on the solid 2020 foundation with growing ABDM synergy. These rules protect patients while enabling accessible care.

Staying updated ensures your practice thrives in this digital era. Consult official NMC and ABDM portals for the latest notifications.

If you are setting up or upgrading telemedicine services, compliant platforms make the process straightforward and secure.