DOH, NPC assure protection of data privacy rights of COVID-19 patients

The Department of Health (DOH) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) have assured that personal data of COVID-19 patients will be protected against unbridled disclosure to the public.

"[T]he DOH guarantees that the data privacy rights of these patients are protected. The DOH and the NPC stand firm against any form of unbridled disclosure of patients' personal data to the public that has been proven to cause a real risk of severe harm to patients," the joint statement read.

Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Disease and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act mandates all COVID-19 patients to "truthfully and accurately" disclose relevant information to authorities.

"We reiterate our appeal to all COVID-19 suspect, probable and confirmed patients. Your honesty and cooperation will allow our front liners to adopt appropriate measures to protect themselves," the statement read.

"Rest assured that the DOH only discloses these data to public health authorities and concerned health care providers for purposes of contact tracing and management of the disease. Their personally-identifiable data may also be disclosed to other government entities authorized based on DOH guidelines," it added.

The agencies also reminded public health authorities, concerned health care providers and other government entities to ensure and protect the privacy of COVID-19 patient data, and the patients' data privacy rights.

"This way, we can help allay the fears of patients on COVID-related physical assaults, harassments, and discrimination, and encourage them to report their symptoms, take confirmatory tests, and submit themselves to treatments by proper authorities," the DOH and NPC said. —LDF, GMA News