Why Indian Hospitals Must Embrace DPDP Act of 2023

Written by: Antony Prem, Chief Digital Officer, GM, St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences

The mission of a hospital extends far beyond healing—it's about upholding the trust and dignity of every individual they serve.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) 2023 provides robust guidelines to reinforce the mission by elevating the protection of patient data to new heights.

Why Does the DPDP Act Matter for Indian Hospitals?

Hospitals, often operating with limited resources, bear the same responsibility for safeguarding patient data as any other institution. The DPDP Act recognizes this unique position, offering benefits that align with the core values of healthcare providers:

Reinforcing Trust and Transparency: Trust is the cornerstone of the patient-hospital relationship. The DPDP Act mandates obtaining explicit consent for data collection and processing, aligning with the ethical principles of transparency and respect for patient autonomy that hospitals hold dear.

Focusing on Patient Wellness: The Act's emphasis on data minimization aligns perfectly with patient-centered care. By collecting only essential information, hospitals streamline operations, reduce the risk of data breaches, and ultimately direct resources toward improving patient outcomes.

Equitable Access to Information: The DPDP Act empowers patients with rights to access, correct, and even erase their data. This is particularly important for hospitals serving vulnerable populations, ensuring everyone has equal access to information and control over their personal health records.

Data Security on a Budget: Robust cybersecurity is essential, but hospitals often face financial constraints. The Act's emphasis on "reasonable security measures" allows for prioritizing effective protections while remaining financially sustainable.

Stakeholder Engagement: Hospitals are integral parts of their communities. The DPDP Act encourages the active involvement of patients and stakeholders in developing data protection policies, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and accountability.

Key Terminologies in the DPDP Act 2023

Data Principal: The individual to whom the personal data relates.

Data Fiduciary: The person or entity (including the government) determining the purpose and means of processing personal data.

Personal Data: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable Data Principal.

Data Processor: Any person who processes personal data on behalf of a Data Fiduciary

Significant Data Fiduciary: A Data Fiduciary handling large volumes or sensitive personal data, requiring stricter compliance measures.

While the DPDP Act provides the overarching framework, specific rules and regulations are still pending. These rules will offer clarity on the operational and audit framework that hospitals need to implement.

The DPDP Act 2023 is a powerful tool for Indian hospitals to further their mission of serving the community with integrity and compassion. By proactively embracing data protection, they not only mitigate risk but also reaffirm their unwavering commitment to putting patients first in every aspect of their operations.

[Disclaimer: This is an authored article; DHN is not liable for the claims made in the same.]