Privacy Policy

Last updated: Sunday, 15th June, 2025

The Indo-American (AMN) Health and Research Foundation (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all stakeholders, including beneficiaries, honorees, members, donors, researchers, participants, and volunteers. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you engage with our services, events, digital platforms, or support initiatives.

1. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to information collected through:

• Our official websites (e.g., www.indo-american.org)
• Registration and application forms (physical and digital)
• Health initiatives, research participation, and outreach programs
• Mental health helpline services like MARS – Mental Assistance Response Service
• WhatsApp, emails, and telephonic communications
• In-person and virtual events including NPHRS Fellowship Honors Ceremonies & Regional Meetings
• Our H2H – Hospital to Home care program and telemedicine services
• Data gathered from biometric or ID-based verification systems

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of data:

a. Personal Information

• Full name, date of birth, gender, and photo
• Contact number, email ID, and postal address
• Identity details: Government-issued IDs (e.g., Aadhaar, Passport, PAN) for verification (masked or anonymized if published)
• Professional background, resume, and fellowship application details

b. Health & Mental Health Data

• Information shared voluntarily during support sessions (e.g., MARS helpline)
• Mental or medical history, case records, or follow-up data (as applicable)
• Data from H2H – Hospital to Home care engagements

c. Technical Data

• Device identifiers (IP address, browser info, OS)
• Usage data, site navigation behavior, and cookies

d. Research Participation Data

• Survey responses, interview data, consent forms
• Anonymized datasets for scientific evaluation or publication

e. Biometric & Attendance Data

• Fingerprint or facial data used for event attendance (e.g., NPHRS)
• Geo-tagged photographs for in-person verification and compliance

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data to:

• Deliver healthcare and mental health services
• Respond to MARS helpline and counseling requests
• Process nominations and verify eligibility for NPHRS Fellowships
• Conduct biometric or manual ID-based attendance at summits
• Run programs such as H2H – Hospital to Home and telehealth clinics
• Evaluate research outcomes and develop public health strategies
• Send updates, confirmations, reports, and newsletters
• Comply with tax, legal, or regulatory obligations

4. Legal Basis for Data Processing

We process your data on the following grounds:

• Consent (e.g., helpline, health services, research participation)
• Contractual obligation (e.g., event or fellowship application)
• Legal requirement (e.g., ID verification or reporting)
• Legitimate interest (e.g., security, service improvement)

5. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. However, limited data may be shared with:

• Verified team members and volunteers (internal use only)
• Government or regulatory authorities, where mandated
• Academic and institutional collaborators (with prior approval)
• Research publications (only anonymized and ethically approved)

6. Data Retention

We retain your data only for as long as necessary for:

• Compliance
• Research obligations
• Historical record of honors/fellowships

Post-utility, data is securely deleted, masked, or anonymized.

7. Your Rights

You are entitled to:

• Access, update, or correct your personal data
• Withdraw consent for helpline or research use
• Request deletion or restriction (subject to legal conditions)
• Clarify data usage by writing to us at: indiaoffice@indo-american.org

8. Data Security

We employ rigorous technical, physical, and administrative safeguards including:

• SSL encryption for online portals
• Access-restricted databases and storage
• Geo-tagging, masking, and secure ID handling
• Monitoring and backup protocols

9. Children’s Privacy

Mental health support (e.g., MARS) may engage minors aged 12–18. We ensure:

• Consent and guidance from guardians wherever needed
• Sessions led by certified professionals
• Data confidentiality and protection throughout

10. Cookies & Analytics

We use cookies and tracking tools to enhance user experience and site analytics. You may disable cookies in your browser settings.

11. Grievances & RTI Contact

For grievances, transparency, or RTI requests, reach us at:
📧 rti@indo-american.org | grievance@indo-american.org
📞 Official Helpline: +91 11 6931 0933

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Revised versions will be published on our official website along with the date of revision.

13. Contact Us

For any privacy-related inquiries, you may contact:
📧 indiaoffice@indo-american.org
🌐 www.indo-american.org