Privacy Policy

Dr. Meera's Siddha Healthcare Centre ("we", "our", "us", "the clinic") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal and medical information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our website drmeeras.in, contact us via phone or WhatsApp, or visit our clinic.

This policy complies with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act).

1. Information We Collect

a) Personal Information — Name, age, gender, phone number, email (if provided), and residential location. Collected when you:

• Fill the appointment booking form on our website
• Contact us via WhatsApp or phone call
• Register at our clinic for consultation

b) Medical Information — Symptoms, medical history, current medications, allergies, lifestyle details, and diagnostic findings. Collected:

• During Naadi (pulse) diagnosis at the clinic
• In the symptoms field of our online booking form (voluntary)
• During consultation with Dr. P. Sathyameera M.D(S)

c) Technical Information — IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, time spent on site. Collected automatically via standard web analytics (Google Analytics, if enabled).

2. How We Use Your Information

• To schedule, confirm, and manage your appointments
• To provide Siddha medical consultation and personalised treatment plans
• To send appointment reminders via WhatsApp, SMS, or phone call
• To follow up on your treatment progress
• To maintain medical records as required under Indian medical practice guidelines
• To improve our website and patient services
• To respond to your queries and complaints

3. Confidentiality of Medical Information

Your medical information is treated with the highest level of confidentiality. It is accessible only to:

• Dr. P. Sathyameera M.D(S), the treating physician
• Authorised clinic staff directly involved in your care

We do not share your medical information with any third party, employer, insurance company, or family member without your explicit consent, except where required by law.

4. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, rent, or share your personal information with third parties. Limited disclosure may occur in the following cases:

• Legal requirement — When mandated by law, court order, or government authority
• Medical emergency — To save your life or in case of a serious health emergency involving you
• Service providers — Technology vendors (SMS gateway, hosting provider) under strict confidentiality agreements
• Public health — To report notifiable diseases as required under Indian public health regulations

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information:

• HTTPS/SSL encryption on our website
• Restricted access to patient files
• Physical security of clinic records
• Regular review of data protection practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses minimal cookies for basic functionality and analytics. These help us understand how visitors use our site and improve user experience. You can disable cookies in your browser settings without affecting your ability to book appointments via WhatsApp or phone.

7. Your Rights (DPDP Act 2023)

As a Data Principal under India's DPDP Act 2023, you have the right to:

• Access — Request a copy of personal data we hold about you
• Correction — Request correction of inaccurate or outdated data
• Erasure — Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal record-keeping obligations
• Grievance redressal — Lodge a complaint about how your data is handled
• Withdraw consent — Withdraw consent for non-essential data processing at any time

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below.

8. Medical Records Retention

As per Indian medical practice guidelines, outpatient medical records are retained for a minimum of 3 years from the last consultation. Records related to chronic illness treatment may be retained longer for continuity of care. After this period, records are securely destroyed unless legally required to be retained.

9. Children's Privacy

For patients under 18 years of age, we require explicit consent from a parent or legal guardian before collecting or processing any personal information. Parents/guardians can request access, correction, or deletion of their child's information at any time.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party services (WhatsApp, Google Maps, Instagram, X). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. Please review their respective privacy policies.

11. Photos & Testimonials

We do not publish patient photos, names, or identifiable details without explicit written consent. Patient testimonials and case studies on our website use changed names and limited details to protect identity. Original patient identities are never disclosed.

12. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated policy will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.