Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 16, 2026

DoctaDirect (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your information when you use our website, WhatsApp services, and related platforms (collectively, the “Services”).

By using DoctaDirect, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Notice.

1. Who We Are

DoctaDirect SARL is a digital health service operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We provide nurse-led medical guidance, clinical triage, and doctor escalation for pregnant women and children under five, primarily through WhatsApp.

DoctaDirect is not a hospital, clinic, or emergency medical service.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to provide safe, appropriate, and effective services.

2.1 Personal Information

• Name
• Age or date of birth
• Phone number
• City, commune, or health zone
• Relationship to the patient (if caregiver)

2.2 Medical Information

• Pregnancy status and stage
• Symptoms and health concerns
• Child age and health information (for under-5 services)
• Photos, voice notes, or messages you choose to share

2.3 Identity Verification Information (When Required)

When a prescription may be considered, we may collect additional information to verify identity, including:

• A copy or image of a valid government-issued identification document
• Video call interactions conducted for identity verification purposes

Identity verification information is collected only when required and solely to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance.

2.4 Communication Data

• WhatsApp messages exchanged with our team
• Consultation notes, triage outcomes, and escalation decisions

3. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used to:

• Provide medical guidance and nurse-led triage
• Identify danger signs and escalate cases to licensed doctors
• Support referrals to health facilities
• Verify patient identity prior to issuing prescriptions
• Ensure follow-up and continuity of care
• Improve service quality using aggregated, non-identifiable data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal or medical information.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

• Your explicit consent
• The need to provide health guidance and continuity of care
• Identity verification requirements related to safe prescribing
• Legal and regulatory obligations applicable in the Democratic Republic of Congo

5. WhatsApp and Third-Party Platforms

DoctaDirect delivers services through WhatsApp, a third-party platform not owned or controlled by us.

Please note:

• WhatsApp applies its own privacy policies and terms
• Messages are encrypted by WhatsApp
• DoctaDirect uses WhatsApp Business tools to deliver services

You are responsible for securing your phone and WhatsApp account.
If your phone is lost, stolen, or you change your phone number, it is your responsibility to inform DoctaDirect as soon as possible.
DoctaDirect is not responsible for communications sent to a number you no longer control if we have not been notified.

6. Data Sharing

Your information may be shared only when strictly necessary:

• With authorized nurses and licensed doctors involved in your care
• With partner doctors for escalation and medical review
• With health facilities for referral purposes
• With authorities when required by law or public health regulations

All sharing is limited to the minimum information necessary for care and safety.

7. Data Protection & Security

We apply appropriate technical and organizational safeguards, including:

• Access restricted to authorized personnel only
• Individual user credentials for staff
• Logging and monitoring of data access
• Immediate revocation of access when staff leave
• Professional confidentiality obligations for all medical personnel

8. Data Retention

We retain personal and medical information only for as long as necessary to:

• Provide services
• Ensure continuity of care
• Meet legal and regulatory requirements

Information that is no longer required is securely deleted or anonymized.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Ask questions about how your data is used
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdraw consent and stop using the Services
• Request deletion of your information, subject to legal and clinical record-keeping obligations

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided on our website.

10. Children’s Privacy

DoctaDirect provides services for children under five only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal data directly from children without appropriate consent.

11. Changes to This Privacy Notice

We may update this Privacy Notice from time to time. Updates will be posted on our website. Continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Notice.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Notice or your data, please contact us: contact@doctadirect.com

DoctaDirect SARL

By using DoctaDirect, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice and consent to the collection and use of your information as described.