Safeguarding India’s Health Data in the Digital Age
Trust has always been the foundation of the doctor–patient relationship in India. Patients share their most personal details believing that confidentiality will be respected. However, as healthcare rapidly shifts to digital platforms—electronic health records, telemedicine, health apps, and national data systems—this trust now depends as much on technology as on professional ethics.
Digitisation has improved efficiency, access, and continuity of care, but it has also exposed sensitive health data to risks such as breaches, misuse, and unauthorized sharing. Medical information can influence employment, insurance, and social standing, making privacy protection critical. Existing laws and guidelines are evolving, yet gaps remain in enforcement, awareness, and accountability.
Safeguarding health data requires strong legal frameworks, robust cybersecurity standards, and clear consent mechanisms. Equally important is training healthcare professionals and informing patients about their data rights. As India builds digital health infrastructure, protecting privacy must remain central—so that technology strengthens, rather than erodes, the trust that healthcare depends on.
Safeguarding India’s Health Data in the Digital Age
