Privacy Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

This Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management Policy ("Policy") outlines the legal and operational framework governing consultations facilitated through the PashuVaani platform ("Platform").

This Policy applies to all tele-consultations, advisory sessions, and digital interactions between users ("Pet Parents/Farmers") and veterinary professionals registered on the Platform.

2. Consultation Recording & Monitoring

To ensure quality of service, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance, the Platform reserves the right to:

• Record audio/video consultations.
• Archive chat transcripts.
• Store uploaded medical records and images.

By initiating a consultation, both the user and the veterinary professional provide implicit consent to such recording. These records will be maintained in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and may be produced if requisitioned by a competent legal or regulatory authority.

3. The "No-VCPR" Clause

The Platform operates on the fundamental premise that a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) cannot be fully established solely through electronic means.

Therefore:

• All consultations provided via the Platform are classified as "Teletriage" or "Informational Guidance".
• They do not substitute an in-person physical examination by a licensed veterinarian.
• Users are explicitly advised to seek physical veterinary care for definitive diagnosis and treatment.

4. Teletriage vs. Diagnosis

Veterinary professionals utilizing the Platform are instructed to restrict their services to:

• Assessing the urgency of the animal's condition (Teletriage).
• Providing general health, nutritional, and behavioral advice.
• Recommending whether immediate physical veterinary intervention is required.

The Platform strictly prohibits the formulation of definitive medical diagnoses solely based on remote consultations.

5. Disclaimer Regarding AI Disease Identification

The AI-driven disease identification tool provided on the Platform is designed strictly for screening and informational purposes.

It is not a diagnostic tool.

The Platform makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the AI tool's output.

Any condition flagged by the AI tool must be verified by a qualified veterinary professional through a physical examination.

6. Prescription Control & Monitoring

The issuance of electronic prescriptions via the Platform is strictly regulated:

• Routine medications (e.g., dewormers, basic supplements) may be prescribed at the discretion of the veterinary professional.
• Prescription of Schedule H, Schedule H1, Schedule X drugs, Narcotics, Psychotropic substances, and specific antibiotics is strictly prohibited without a prior, documented physical examination.
• The Platform employs automated monitoring to flag the unauthorized prescription of restricted substances.

7. Emergency Disclaimer

The Platform is not designed, intended, or equipped to handle veterinary emergencies.

In cases involving severe trauma, respiratory distress, profuse bleeding, or sudden collapse, users are directed to bypass the Platform and immediately transport the animal to the nearest veterinary hospital or clinic.

8. Data Protection & Privacy

PashuVaani implements robust technical and organizational measures to safeguard user data and animal health records.

Data processing is conducted in strict compliance with applicable laws, including but not limited to the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

9. Platform Role Clarification

PashuVaani operates exclusively as a technology intermediary, facilitating communication between users and independent veterinary professionals.

The Company does not practice veterinary medicine, does not independently diagnose or treat animals, and exercises no clinical control over the veterinary professionals on the Platform.

10. Compliance Monitoring

The Company reserves the right to conduct periodic compliance audits of consultations conducted on the Platform.

Veterinary professionals found in violation of regulatory guidelines or Platform policies may face immediate suspension or permanent removal from the Platform.

11. Professional Indemnity Insurance

Veterinary professionals registered on the Platform are required to maintain valid professional indemnity insurance. Registration on the Platform constitutes a declaration of such coverage by the professional.

12. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

This Policy, and any disputes arising from it, shall be governed by the laws of India. The courts of Mumbai, India, shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any such disputes.