New Delhi: In a recent statement, Minister of State for Health, Prataprao Jadhav, clarified that the Government of India’s Health Data Management Policy (HDM Policy), which came into effect on December 14, 2020, ensures strict regulations on the handling and sharing of health data. The policy aims to establish robust privacy and data protection standards within the healthcare ecosystem, particularly under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
Key Provisions of the Health Data Management Policy
The HDM Policy mandates that health data shared for specific purposes must not be stored longer than necessary for those purposes. Additionally, the policy enshrines the principle of data minimization, which dictates that only the minimum necessary health data be shared to avoid the disclosure of excessive or irrelevant information.
Restrictions on Sharing Data with Third Parties
Addressing concerns about the sharing of patient health data with insurance and pharmaceutical companies, Jadhav emphasized that under the HDM Policy, no health data can be shared with any entity, including insurance and pharmaceutical companies, without the explicit consent of the individual concerned. He further clarified that once data is shared with health information users (HIUs), these entities cannot disclose the data further without obtaining the individual’s consent. Additionally, data shared must not be stored beyond the duration required for the purpose specified during consent collection.
Ensuring Adherence to Data Protection Guidelines
The Minister also assured that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has established clear limitations on the use of health data by insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Steps have been taken to ensure these companies adhere to the privacy standards and regulations set forth in the policy, reinforcing the commitment to protecting individuals’ health data and ensuring transparency in its use.
