1. Introduction
Akarshan Skin and Hair Clinic (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is a dermatology and aesthetic clinic located in Kathmandu, Nepal, operating through our website at akarshanskin.com. We are committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of your personal and medical information.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you visit our clinic, use our website, book appointments, or contact us through any channel. By using our services, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.
2. Information We Collect
We collect the following categories of personal information:
2.1 Personal Identification Information
- Full name
- Contact details (phone number, email address)
- Residential address
2.2 Medical and Clinical Information
- Skin and hair condition details shared during consultations
- Treatment history at our clinic
- Relevant medical background provided voluntarily by you
2.3 Financial and Billing Information
- Payment details for services rendered (processed securely through our payment systems)
- Billing records and invoices
2.4 Visual/Photographic Data
- Before-and-after photographs taken for clinical documentation, treatment planning, and monitoring progress
- Photos are taken only with your explicit written or verbal consent
2.5 Online Inquiry and Appointment Data
- Information submitted through our appointment booking and contact forms (name, phone, email, query details)
- Messages sent to us via WhatsApp or social media platforms
2.6 Website Usage Data
- Browsing behaviour, pages visited, time spent on site, and device/browser information collected via Google Analytics and similar tracking tools
- Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 6 below)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To provide dermatological and aesthetic treatments and related clinical services
- To schedule, confirm, and manage your appointments
- To maintain accurate clinical records and monitor your treatment progress
- To process payments and maintain billing records
- To communicate with you via phone, email, or WhatsApp regarding appointments, follow-ups, or inquiries
- To send you newsletters, promotional offers, or health tips (only if you have opted in; you may unsubscribe at any time)
- To improve our website, services, and patient experience using aggregated analytics data
- To comply with applicable laws, medical regulations, and professional obligations in Nepal
4. Photography and Visual Data Consent
Clinical photographs (before-and-after images) are taken solely for the purpose of treatment documentation, clinical assessment, and monitoring your progress. We will always seek your consent before capturing any photographs.
These images will NOT be used for marketing, social media, or promotional purposes without your separate, explicit written consent. You have the right to withdraw this consent at any time by contacting us.
5. Sharing of Your Information
We respect the confidentiality of your personal and medical information. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to any third parties for commercial purposes.
We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:
- With your prior consent — for example, if you agree to a referral to a specialist
- With payment processors and banks as necessary to complete financial transactions
- With trusted technology service providers (such as website hosting and analytics) who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality obligations
- When required by law, court order, or regulatory authority in Nepal
- In an emergency, to protect your vital interests or the safety of others
Any third parties with whom we share data are required to handle it securely and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
6. Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website (akarshanskin.com) uses cookies and analytics tools, including Google Analytics, to understand how visitors use our site. This data is collected in aggregate and is not used to personally identify individual visitors.
Cookies may collect information such as:
- Pages you visit and features you use
- Your approximate location (country/city level)
- Device type, browser, and operating system
You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality. For more information on how Google Analytics uses your data, please visit: https://policies.google.com/privacy
7. Data Security
We take the security of your personal and medical data seriously. We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure. These measures include:
- Restricted access to patient records (staff access on a need-to-know basis)
- Secure storage of physical and digital records
- Use of secure, trusted payment processing systems
- Confidentiality obligations for all clinic staff
However, no method of data transmission or storage is entirely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal and clinical information for as long as necessary to provide ongoing care, meet our legal and professional obligations, and resolve any disputes. Clinical records are typically retained for a minimum period as required under applicable Nepali health regulations.
When your data is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymised.
9. Your Rights
As a patient or website visitor, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Right to Access — You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Right to Correction — You may request that inaccurate or incomplete data be corrected
- Right to Withdrawal of Consent — You may withdraw consent for specific uses (e.g., marketing communications or use of photographs) at any time
- Right to Erasure — Subject to our legal and clinical retention obligations, you may request that your data be deleted
- Right to Complaint — You may raise a complaint if you believe your data has been mishandled
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 12.
10. Children’s Privacy
Our services may be provided to minors with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. In such cases, personal data is collected and handled with the same care and protections described in this Policy. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16 without appropriate parental consent.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. When we make material changes, we will update the “Effective Date” at the top of this document and post the revised Policy on our website.
We encourage you to review this Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal data, please contact us:
Akarshan Skin and Hair Clinic
Kathmandu, Nepal
Website: akarshanskin.com