Prescriptions
How online prescriptions work in South Africa
An online prescription follows a consultation. The doctor first decides what is causing the problem, whether medicine is needed and whether prescribing without a physical examination is safe.
Updated 20 September 2026 · 5 minute read
The assessment comes first
Expect questions about symptoms, allergies, existing medicines, pregnancy where relevant, past conditions and previous reactions. Recent readings or test results may be useful for chronic care. A photo or video view can help with some problems, but it cannot answer every clinical question.
What can be prescribed online?
Many ordinary primary-care medicines can be considered remotely when the history is clear and the doctor has enough information. Some controlled medicines, new long-term treatments and conditions needing examination or monitoring may require an in-person appointment. The decision belongs to the prescriber.
Receiving and using the prescription
If a prescription is issued, hiDoc places the document in the patient’s secure records after payment. Take it to the pharmacy named or allowed by the document and follow the written directions. A pharmacist can still query or decline a script that does not meet dispensing requirements.
Antibiotics are not automatic
Colds and many respiratory infections are viral. Antibiotics do not treat viruses and can cause side effects and resistance. An online appointment is a clinical assessment, not a shortcut to a requested medicine.