1. who we are

telahealth is a digital healthcare platform that enables independently licensed medical doctors to provide virtual medical consultations under the telahealth brand. While TelaHealth facilitates the platform, each doctor operates as an independent healthcare provider, maintaining full clinical responsibility for the care delivered during consultations. our aim is to provide personalised, accessible, and modern healthcare across high-impact areas of medicine. we are deeply committed to protecting the privacy of every user and ensuring that all information shared with us is managed securely and in accordance with relevant privacy legislation, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

​

2. what information we collect

when you use telahealth, we collect personal and health-related information necessary to facilitate high-quality medical care. this may include your full name, contact details such as email and phone number, demographic information, and relevant medical data you voluntarily provide during booking or consultation. this could include your current symptoms, medical history, medication use, allergies, test results, and lifestyle factors. we may also collect limited technical data, such as your IP address, browser type, and session duration to help us monitor site performance and usability. all information is collected lawfully and solely for the purpose of delivering and improving the healthcare services we offer.

 

3. how your information is stored

all patient medical information is stored on Bookem (www.bookem.co.za), a secure, encrypted third-party healthcare platform developed specifically for South African medical professionals. Bookem complies with industry-standard encryption protocols and privacy legislation, including POPIA, and is trusted by many healthcare practitioners across the country. each telahealth-affiliated doctor has their own unique, password-protected Bookem login, which ensures that only the doctor you consult with can access your medical records. telahealth as a company does not directly store or have access to patient medical records or consultation notes. no administrative or support staff at telahealth can view your clinical information, and no other doctor within the network has access to your file unless required by law or with your explicit written consent. your data is therefore compartmentalised and securely stored to protect your confidentiality.

​

4. how your information is used

Your personal and health information is used solely for the delivery of medical services on the telahealth platform. this includes facilitating consultations, generating accurate and legally required medical records, issuing prescriptions or referrals, and arranging follow-up care where necessary. we may also use your information to send appointment confirmations, reminders, or other administrative communications. in cases where payment is required, your information may be used to process transactions securely. we do not sell, rent, or share your data with third-party advertisers or marketers under any circumstances. your data is used strictly for the purpose of your care or as required by law.

​

5. confidentiality and doctor-patient relationship

telahealth respects and upholds the confidentiality of every medical interaction. all consultations are treated as confidential under the ethical and legal obligations set out by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and POPIA. the independent doctors consulting through telahealth adhere to these same standards, and are professionally bound to maintain the confidentiality of all patient records. only the doctor you consult with has access to your clinical data, and no one else within telahealth can access your file without your permission. we take your privacy seriously and ensure that your medical care is delivered with respect, discretion, and professionalism at all times.

​

6. cookies and website data

our website may use cookies or similar tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience and monitor website performance. this data is non-identifiable and includes information such as device type, session duration, and general browsing behaviour. this information helps us optimise the functionality and usability of the website. you may disable cookies at any time through your browser settings. no medical or personally identifiable health information is collected through cookies.

​

7. third-party services

telahealth relies on secure third-party platforms, including Bookem, for appointment booking, secure record-keeping, and other technical functions. these platforms are selected based on their compliance with healthcare privacy regulations, data security standards, and their reputation within the South African medical community. by using TelaHealth, you acknowledge and agree to the use of such platforms as essential tools in the delivery of your care.

 

8. your rights

you have the right to request access to your personal or health data, correct any inaccurate information, or request that certain data be deleted, unless retention is required by law or regulatory guidance. you may also withdraw your consent for data processing where applicable. to exercise any of your data rights or to request a copy of the information held about you, please contact us in writing using the email address provided at the end of this policy. we will respond promptly, and always within a reasonable timeframe, as required under South African law.

 

9. updates to this policy

we may revise or update this privacy policy from time to time in response to changes in the law, technological updates, or improvements in our service offering. any changes to the policy will be reflected on this page with an updated effective date. continued use of the telahealth platform following any updates to the policy will be deemed acceptance of those changes. we encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed.

 

10. contact us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to your privacy, your personal information, or this policy, please reach out to us directly. we value your trust and are committed to handling your information with care and transparency.

​

email: info@telahealth.xyz