COVID-19 and the rise of virtual medical consultations in Venezuela: Bioethical aspects

ABSTRACT

The arrival of the pandemic caused by COVID-19, causing almost six million deaths around the world, took practically all the health systems of both developed and underdeveloped countries by surprise, including Venezuela. Virtual medical consultations, a way of practicing telemedicine, have a great impact with the arrival of this new coronavirus since it has become an ally to guarantee health care, reduce the collapse of hospitals, optimize the use of protective equipment personnel, and reduce the risk of infection for both healthcare personnel and patients themselves. However, in countries like Venezuela where there is no biolegal framework that regulates its practice, it could cause a series of repercussions and bioethical dilemmas. © 2022 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.