INTRODUCTION

PadiChat, powered by Media, Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (“Organization,” “we,” “us,” “our”) provides a confidential, online space for patients to connect with licensed professionals for counselling and consultation services — all at no cost. We also give professionals a secure platform to offer these services in line with Nigerian laws and ethical standards.
By using PadiChat, whether as a patient or a professional, you agree to these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

You must be at least 13 years old to use PadiChat. If you are under 18, you may only use PadiChat with the consent and supervision of a parent or guardian. Professionals must be qualified, licensed, and in good standing to provide counselling or consultation in Nigeria.

SECTION A: TERMS FOR PATIENTS

1. Nature of Services

All consultations on PadiChat are free of charge. Services are provided via online sessions (“telecounselling”) and are not a substitute for emergency services. If you are in crisis, please call the nearest helpline or emergency service immediately.

2. Patient Responsibilities
Provide accurate, complete, and current information during registration. Keep your login details secure. Engage respectfully with professionals and other platform users. Avoid sharing harmful, misleading, or unlawful content.

3. Prohibited Patient Conduct
Misrepresenting your identity or health condition. Harassing or abusing professionals or other users. Using the platform for purposes other than receiving counselling.

SECTION B: TERMS FOR PROFESSIONALS

1. Professional Eligibility
Must hold valid qualifications and licensing under Nigerian law to provide counselling or related services. Must comply with relevant professional ethics codes and PadiChat’s confidentiality standards.

2. Professional Responsibilities
Provide accurate, up-to-date professional details during registration. Deliver services in a professional, respectful, and timely manner. Maintain confidentiality, except where disclosure is required by law.

3. Prohibited Professional Conduct
Providing false credentials or misrepresenting qualifications. Engaging in any conduct that breaches professional ethics or Nigerian law. Using patient information for purposes outside the agreed counselling relationship.

SECTION C: TERMS APPLICABLE TO ALL USERS

1. Intellectual Property
All platform content, branding, and software are owned by or licensed to PadiChat. You may use them only for personal, non-commercial purposes.

2. Confidentiality
Information shared during sessions is confidential, subject to legal exceptions such as:
Risk of harm to self or others
Court orders
Reporting of abuse

3. Termination
We may suspend or terminate accounts for breach of these Terms or unlawful conduct.

4. Governing Law & Disputes
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Disputes will first go through informal negotiation before legal proceedings in Nigerian courts.