1. Services Covered

These Terms govern your use of digital services provided by SJM Hospital, including but not limited to:

• Browsing information on www.sjmhospital.org.
• Online appointment booking and consultations.
• Online payment processing for services, consultations, and medical bills.
• Patient communications via WhatsApp API.
• Digital access to Electronic Health Records (EHR), invoices, and laboratory/radiology reports.

2. Use of Online Payment Services

SJM Hospital offers online payment options through secure third-party payment gateways.

• Authorized Transactions: You confirm that the payment method (credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, wallet, etc.) used belongs to you or that you have explicit permission from the owner to complete the transaction.
• Third-Party Payment Gateways: Online payments are processed via third-party service providers. SJM Hospital is not liable for issues, failures, or errors occurring on the third-party payment provider’s platform.
• Payment Receipts: Successful payments will be acknowledged via on-screen confirmation, email, or WhatsApp message with a transaction receipt.
• Refund and Cancellation Policy:
  • Appointments: Appointment cancellations or rescheduling must be requested at least 24 hours before the scheduled time to be eligible for a refund.
  • Failed Transactions: If money is deducted from your account but no confirmation is received, the bank/payment gateway usually reverses the transaction automatically within 5 to 7 business days.
  • Refund Processing: Approved refunds will be credited back to the original payment method used within 7 to 10 working days.

3. WhatsApp API & Patient Communication

SJM Hospital utilizes official WhatsApp API services to send automated notifications, appointment reminders, bill receipts, lab reports, and health updates.

• Consent & Opt-In: By providing your mobile number to SJM Hospital (via web forms, registration desks, or online booking), you explicitly consent to receiving transactional, informational, and medical-related messages via WhatsApp.
• Opt-Out Mechanism: You may opt out of receiving WhatsApp messages at any time by replying "STOP" or contacting us directly at info@sjmhospital.org. Please note that opting out may cause you to miss critical updates regarding appointments, invoices, or test results.
• Nature of WhatsApp Communications:
  • WhatsApp is used for administrative notifications and non-urgent health updates.
  • Medical staff will not provide definitive diagnosis or emergency care through WhatsApp.
• Privacy & Device Security: You are responsible for maintaining the privacy and security of your personal device and WhatsApp account to prevent unauthorized access to messages containing your Personal Health Information (PHI).

4. Electronic Health Records (EHR)

SJM Hospital provides digital access to medical records, prescriptions, and diagnostics via our Electronic Health Records (EHR) system.

• Account Registration & Security: To access your EHR, you may be required to register an account by verifying your identity via One-Time Passwords (OTP). You are responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential.
• Accuracy of Information: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete personal and medical information during registration and use. SJM Hospital is not responsible for errors resulting from inaccurate user-submitted data.
• Authorized Access: You may only access your own health records or records of individuals for whom you are an authorized legal guardian or representative. Unauthorized access to another individual's medical records is strictly prohibited and subject to legal action.
• Record Availability: While we strive to maintain 24/7 access to EHR services, SJM Hospital does not guarantee uninterrupted system availability due to maintenance, upgrades, or technical outages.

5. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy and the confidentiality of your health data are of utmost importance to us.

• The collection, storage, and processing of your personal data, payment information, and Electronic Health Records are governed by our Privacy Policy web page.
• SJM Hospital implements administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your personal health information in compliance with applicable health data protection laws.

6. Intellectual Property Rights

All content on www.sjmhospital.org including text, graphics, logos, images, software, and layout is the intellectual property of SJM Hospital or its licensors. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or publish any material from this website without explicit written permission from SJM Hospital.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, SJM Hospital, its directors, doctors, employees, and technological partners shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of (or inability to use) our website, online payment services, WhatsApp API, or EHR applications.
• Technical glitches, server down-times, payment gateway delays, or network failures beyond our reasonable control.
• Unauthorized access to your personal information due to security breaches on your personal device or network.

8. Modifications to Terms

SJM Hospital reserves the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Changes will take effect immediately upon posting to www.sjmhospital.org. Your continued use of our website and services following any updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Any legal disputes or claims arising out of or related to these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Mananthavady, Wayanad, Kerala.

10. Medical Emergency Disclaimer (NOT FOR EMERGENCIES)

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or grievances regarding these Terms and Conditions, our online services, or your health data, please contact us at: