Privacy Policy

1. Personal Data Collection

A typical healthcare privacy policy must explain what personal information is collected via:

• Website forms (e.g., appointment bookings, contact forms)

• Call-to-action interactions

• Telemedicine or online consultation requests
  Information typically includes:

• Name, phone, email

• Address, age, gender

• Medical history or treatment requests

• Patient or guardian details

2. How Data Is Used

Most healthcare privacy policies state that collected data is used to:

• Schedule appointments and coordinate care

• Share information with medical staff or departments

• Send reminders or follow-ups

• Provide telemedicine and care services

• Improve overall site and service experience

3. Sensitive Personal Data

Healthcare data (medical history, diagnoses, treatment details) is categorized as Sensitive Personal Data or Information (SPDI) under India’s Information Technology Rules. A clear privacy policy must:

• Specify how sensitive data is treated

• Require explicit consent to collect, store, and process it

This part is essential for all hospitals and digital health platforms.

4. Cookies & Tracking

Most modern sites use cookies and visitor log data for:

• Website performance & analytics

• User preferences

• Session management

A proper privacy policy should state which cookies are used and how users can opt-out.

5. Disclosure & Sharing of Data

A comprehensive policy should include instances where data may be shared:

• With doctors, labs, diagnostic centers for treatment

• With authorized third-party technology providers

• In compliance with legal or public health requirements

It must state that data is not sold or rented to unrelated parties.

6. Data Storage & Security

Healthcare organizations should explain:

• How patient and website data is stored securely

• Encryption and access control policies

• Retention periods for medical records

This reassures patients about confidentiality and compliance.

7. User Rights

The policy should clearly explain patient rights under applicable laws, such as the right to:

• Access their own data

• Correct inaccuracies

• Withdraw consent

• Request deletion (subject to regulatory requirements)

8. Policy Updates

Patients and visitors must be informed that:

• The privacy policy can be updated periodically

• The effective date of the policy will be communicated

• Continued use of services implies acceptance of changes

Right now, Nirog Hospital’s website doesn’t visibly publish its privacy policy page, which is an important compliance and transparency requirement for healthcare websites. A good policy for a hospital like this, especially one that handles appointments, medical records, telemedicine, and patient communication, should cover: