SFLC.IN wrote to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Seeking Extension for the Draft Health Data Management Policy

 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the Draft Health Data Management Policy of the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) in the public domain. The last date for submission of comments on this draft policy is September 3, 2020.

 

SFLC.in wrote to the Minister of Health Dr. Harshvardhan and the Secretary of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare urging them to extend the last date of submission to at least till September 30th, 2020. The consultation process forms the basis of all legislation and policies in the country. The Pre-Legislative Consultative Policy stipulates a 30 day consultation period for all legislation and government policies released by the ministries/department. Such an important framework should be finalised only after detailed consultations with relevant stakeholders and the public at large.

 

Read the letter below:

 

August 27th, 2020

 

To,
Dr. Harsh Vardhan
Union Minister
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

 

Respected Dr. Vardhan,

 

Greetings from SFLC.IN!

 

SFLC.IN is the first Indian legal services organization that works exclusively on technology, law, and policy. As a not-for-profit organization engaged in the empowerment of Indian citizens about their digital freedom and rights, it operates as a collective bringing together different stakeholders to a common platform to further the cause of digital rights. SFLC.in promotes innovation and open access to knowledge by helping policy makers make informed and just decisions regarding the use and adoption of technology. As of 2020 SFLC.in is the only Indian organization to be inducted as a member of the IFEX, a global network to defend the right to freedom of expression and information.

 

We write this mail regarding the draft Health Data Management Policy. This is to bring to your notice that the draft was released on August 27 and seeks comments from stakeholders till September 3rd, 2020 at 5:00 PM.

 

The consultation process forms the basis of all legislation and policies in the country. The Pre- Legislative Consultative Policy stipulates a 30 day period consultation period for all legislation and government policies released out by ministries/department. Such important framework should be finalized only after detailed consultations with relevant stakeholders and the public at large. As a first step to increase the effectiveness of the consultation, we request you to extend the consultation at least till 30th September, 2020.

 

We request you to kindly provide a reasonable time to all stakeholders to study and analyse the draft and make comments on it.

 

Regards,
Prasanth Sugathan
Legal Director
SFLC.IN