user
Login
Join Now
Advanced
Search

Privacy Policy

DoctorDirectory.co.za (“DoctorDirectory”, “we”, “us”) is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information when you use our website and services.

Responsible Party

The responsible party for purposes of POPIA is the operator of DoctorDirectory.co.za, based in the Republic of South Africa.

Personal Information We Collect

Depending on how you use the platform, we may collect:

From Patients or Users:

  • Name and surname
  • Email address
  • Contact number
  • Appointment request details
  • Any information voluntarily submitted via forms or enquiries

From Healthcare Professionals:

  • Full name
  • Practice name
  • Practice address
  • Contact details
  • Professional and qualification information
  • Account login details
  • Billing information related to the Booking Platform

Technical Information:

  • IP address
  • Browser and device information
  • Usage data
  • Cookies and session data

DoctorDirectory does not provide medical treatment or e-pharmacy services and does not require the upload of prescriptions or medical records.

Purpose of Processing

We process personal information to:

  • Operate and maintain the doctor directory
  • Facilitate appointment enquiries and booking requests
  • Provide access to the optional Booking Platform
  • Process quarterly payments for the Booking Platform (via third-party payment gateway)
  • Respond to enquiries and support requests
  • Send service-related communications
  • Improve platform functionality and security
  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell personal information.

Booking Information and Practitioner Responsibility

When a patient submits an appointment request:

  • The information is transmitted to the selected healthcare provider.
  • The healthcare provider becomes independently responsible for handling patient information thereafter.
  • DoctorDirectory is not responsible for how healthcare professionals store, process, or protect patient information once received.

Marketing Communications

We will only send marketing communications where permitted by law.

You may opt out at any time by using the unsubscribe link or contacting us directly.

Disclosure of Information

Personal information may be shared only where necessary to provide the service, including:

  • The healthcare provider you choose to contact or book
  • Third-party service providers assisting with hosting, payment processing, security, and platform operations
  • Legal authorities where required by law

We do not share personal information with insurers, medical aids, or unrelated third parties.

Cross-Border Transfers

Some of our service providers (such as hosting or technical providers) may store or process data outside South Africa. In such cases, appropriate safeguards are implemented in accordance with POPIA.

Data Storage and Security

Personal information is stored using reputable hosting providers and protected by reasonable technical and organisational safeguards to prevent:

  • Unauthorised access
  • Loss
  • Misuse
  • Alteration
  • Disclosure

However, no online platform can guarantee absolute security.

Retention of Information

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this policy, including:

  • Maintaining practitioner accounts
  • Managing booking records
  • Legal or regulatory compliance

I

nactive accounts and expired Booking Platform data may be deleted after a reasonable period.

Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal information
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of personal information (subject to legal limitations)
  • Object to processing for direct marketing
  • Withdraw consent where applicable
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa

Requests may be submitted using the contact details below.

Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Improve website functionality
  • Analyse traffic and usage patterns
  • Maintain secure login sessions

You may disable cookies in your browser settings, although some features may not function properly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of any revised policy.

Contact

For privacy-related questions, data access requests, or complaints, contact:

DoctorDirectory.co.za
Email: privacy@doctordirectory.co.za