A prescription after a proper consultation
In South Africa, prescription medicine can only be prescribed by a registered practitioner who has assessed you. A VDOC consultation is a live video call with an HPCSA-registered GP. The doctor asks about your symptoms, history, allergies and current medication before recommending treatment.
If medication is clinically appropriate, the doctor issues your prescription digitally after the consult. You can then collect your medicine at a pharmacy. The same consult can also give you a sick note if you need time off.
Common online prescriptions
Chronic repeat scripts
Blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid and asthma, for stable conditions.
Infections
UTIs, sinus, chest, eye and skin infections, with antibiotics only when needed.
Allergies & hay fever
Antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops.
Skin conditions
Creams and treatment for eczema, acne, rashes and fungal infections.
Contraception
Oral contraceptive prescriptions and repeats after a consult.
Gastro & reflux
Treatment for heartburn, nausea and stomach upsets.
From consult to pharmacy
Book a GP
Pick a doctor and time online or on WhatsApp. Note what you need, e.g. "repeat blood pressure script".
Video consult
Show the doctor your current medication or an old script and answer a few questions about your health.
Collect your medicine
Your prescription is issued digitally. Take it to your pharmacy to have it dispensed.
What does an online prescription cost?
You pay for the doctor's consultation only. GP video consultations on VDOC start from R250, with the exact fee shown before you book. There's no extra fee for the prescription itself. Your medicine is paid for at the pharmacy, through your medical aid's medicine benefit or in cash.
If you're on a supported medical aid, we can bill the consultation directly to your scheme. Prefer to talk it through first? Read more about seeing an online doctor.