Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

AKARETSA is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy outlines how personal information shared with the practice may be collected, used, stored, and protected.

2. Information We Collect

Depending on how you engage with the practice, the following categories of information may be collected:

• Identity Information: Name, surname, identity or passport number, and date of birth.
• Contact Information: Residential or postal address, email address, and telephone numbers.
• Medical & Special Personal Information: Clinical history, notes, diagnoses, assessments, and other health information relevant to care.
• Technical Information: Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser details, and basic website usage information.

3. Clinical Use & Consent

Personal and clinical information is processed only for purposes connected to care, appointment coordination, communication, and compliance with applicable law and professional duties.

• Providing clinical care and related professional services.
• Corresponding with you about appointments and practical updates.
• Meeting legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations in South Africa.

Clinical notes and related health information are not used for marketing purposes.

4. Information Security

Reasonable technical, administrative, and physical safeguards are used to help protect personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, loss, or alteration.

Access to clinical records should be limited to people involved in care or administration on a need-to-know basis.

5. Data Retention

Personal and clinical information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary for care, legal obligations, record-keeping, and related professional duties.

6. Your POPIA Rights

Under POPIA, you may have rights that include:

• Access: The right to request a copy of the personal information held about you.
• Correction: The right to request that inaccurate or out-of-date personal information be corrected.
• Objection: The right to object to processing in certain circumstances.
• Complaints: The right to lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator.