Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Privacy

The Department of Health and Vitality is committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable South African laws governing data protection.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

• Full name and surname
• ID number or passport number
• Date of birth
• Contact information (address, phone number, email)
• Medical information and health history
• Application details and supporting documents
• Payment information (if applicable)

Information Automatically Collected

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website addresses
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

How We Use Your Information

• To process and manage your applications for services
• To verify your identity and eligibility
• To communicate with you about your applications
• To schedule appointments and follow-ups
• To improve our website and services
• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• To prevent fraud and ensure security

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

• Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your personal data for specific purposes
• Contract: Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract with you
• Legal obligation: Processing is necessary for compliance with the law
• Public interest: Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest

Sharing Your Information

We may share your information with:

• Healthcare Providers: Clinics, hospitals, and healthcare professionals involved in your care
• Government Departments: Other government entities as required by law
• Service Providers: Contractors and agents who perform services on our behalf
• Law Enforcement: When required by law or to protect our legal rights

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against:

• Unauthorised access or disclosure
• Accidental loss or destruction
• Alteration or misuse
• Unlawful processing

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• To provide you with services
• To comply with legal obligations
• To resolve disputes
• To enforce our agreements

Medical records are retained in accordance with the National Health Act and relevant regulations.

Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your information
• Right to Restrict: Restrict processing of your information
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format

Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences
• Understand how you use our site
• Improve website functionality
• Analyse site traffic

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect your experience on our site.

Children's Privacy

We collect information about children only when necessary for providing services. For children under 18, we require consent from a parent or legal guardian. We take special care to protect children's privacy and comply with all applicable laws.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than South Africa where our service providers operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with POPIA.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.