Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using the ConsultDrFat platform (the “Platform”), including creating an account, making a booking, or joining a session, you (“User”, “you”, “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”), our Privacy Policy, and all applicable Nigerian laws and regulations.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use the Platform. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and ConsultDrFat.

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. The Service

ConsultDrFat is an online telemedicine platform that connects patients in Nigeria with a single qualified medical practitioner (Dr. Fat, MBBS, MDCN-registered) via:

• A booking system for scheduling private consultations
• An online payment system (Paystack) for session fees in Nigerian Naira (₦)
• A real-time consultation room with voice (WebRTC) and live chat
• A shared countdown timer and, where needed, paid session extensions
• Email notifications for booking confirmation and appointment reminders

The Platform is a Progressive Web App (PWA) installable on your device. It operates in Nigeria and sessions are conducted in English or as agreed with the practitioner.

3. Eligibility & Account

3.1 Age requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account and make a booking. Parents or guardians may use the platform on behalf of a minor for paediatric consultations, provided the parent/guardian creates and manages the account.

3.2 Google account sign-in

Authentication is provided exclusively through Google Sign-In. By signing in, you authorise ConsultDrFat to receive your Google account name and email address. You are responsible for the security of your Google account.

3.3 Accurate information

You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when booking a consultation, including your name, email, and a truthful description of your medical concern. Providing false or misleading information may result in termination of your account and no refund of fees paid.

3.4 One account per person

Each Google account may be used by one individual only. You may not create multiple accounts to circumvent booking restrictions or any other platform rules.

4. Booking & Scheduling

4.1 Booking window

You may book a consultation up to 14 calendar days in advance. The booking window rolls forward daily. You cannot book slots more than 14 days ahead.

4.2 Slot availability

Available slots are determined by the practitioner's configured weekly availability and any exceptions (days off or additional hours). Slots are shown in West Africa Time (WAT, Africa/Lagos, UTC+1).

4.3 Booking confirmation

A booking is confirmed only upon successful payment. An unpaid booking (status: “held”) does not guarantee your slot. You will receive a confirmation email upon successful payment.

4.4 Late arrival

Sessions start at the scheduled time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, the session may be marked as missed at the practitioner's discretion and no refund will be issued. The practitioner will wait up to 10 minutes.

4.5 Rescheduling

To reschedule, contact us at least 24 hours before your session. Rescheduling is subject to availability and is at the practitioner's discretion. Rescheduling within 24 hours of the session may be treated as a cancellation.

5. Payment & Fees

5.1 Session fee

Session fees are set by the practitioner and displayed on the booking page in Nigerian Naira (₦). Fees may change from time to time; the fee applicable is the one shown at the time of booking.

5.2 Payment methods

Payment is processed by Paystack and includes: debit/credit cards (Verve, Mastercard, Visa), bank transfer, and mobile money providers available via Paystack (OPay, PalmPay, Kuda, etc.).

5.3 Kobo conversion

Naira amounts are sent to Paystack in kobo (1 NGN = 100 kobo), as required by Paystack's API. This is a technical detail that does not affect what you pay.

5.4 Session extensions

During a live session, the practitioner may offer a paid extension if more time is needed. Extension fees are calculated proportionally to the base session rate. Extensions must be paid before the timer is extended. Extensions are non-refundable once the additional time begins.

5.5 Taxes

All prices are inclusive of any applicable taxes unless otherwise stated. The practitioner is responsible for applicable VAT/WHT obligations under Nigerian law.

6. Cancellations & Refunds

6.1 Client cancellations

• More than 24 hours before session: Full refund, less any payment processor fees charged by Paystack (typically 1.5%).
• Between 12 and 24 hours before session: 50% refund.
• Less than 12 hours before session or no-show: No refund.
• After joining the session room: No refund.

6.2 Practitioner cancellations

If the practitioner cancels or is unable to attend a confirmed booking, you will receive a full refund within 5–7 business days. We will contact you to reschedule at no additional charge.

6.3 Technical issues

If a session cannot proceed due to a verified platform-side technical failure (not your internet connection or device), a full or proportional refund will be issued at our discretion. We will make reasonable efforts to resume or reschedule interrupted sessions.

6.4 Requesting a refund

To request a refund, email hello@consultdrfat.comwith your booking reference, name, and reason. We will process eligible refunds within 7 business days.

7. Session Rules & Conduct

During a consultation, you agree to:

• Be in a private location where you can speak freely and confidentially.
• Treat the practitioner with respect. Abusive, threatening, or discriminatory language will result in immediate session termination with no refund.
• Not record the session (audio or screen) without the express written consent of the practitioner.
• Provide honest and accurate information about your symptoms and medical history. Withholding material information may affect the quality of advice.
• Not share your session link or room access with third parties.
• Understand that the session is a consultation, not a prescription-dispensing service. Any prescriptions or referrals are advisory and subject to Nigerian medical regulations.

8. Medical Advice — Scope & Limitations

ConsultDrFat provides general medical consultations by a qualified Nigerian doctor. The following limitations apply:

• Advice is based solely on the information you provide verbally. The practitioner cannot conduct physical examinations.
• The practitioner may advise you to seek in-person care for conditions requiring physical assessment or laboratory investigation.
• Prescriptions (where issued) are advisory. Dispensing is subject to compliance with Nigerian pharmaceutical regulations and the availability of medications.
• ConsultDrFat is not a substitute for a primary care physician relationship. For ongoing chronic conditions, we strongly recommend maintaining a relationship with an in-person doctor.
• Mental health support is offered at a general practitioner level. For severe psychiatric conditions, specialist referral is recommended.

The practitioner is registered with the MDCN and operates within the bounds of their professional registration. Any concerns about the quality of care received can be reported to the MDCN at mdcn.gov.ng.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on the ConsultDrFat platform — including but not limited to text, design, graphics, logos, and software — is the property of ConsultDrFat and protected by applicable Nigerian and international intellectual property laws.

You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any part of the Platform without express written permission.

Chat messages you send during a session remain your property. By sending them, you grant the practitioner a limited licence to read and use them for the purpose of providing medical advice during that session.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable Nigerian law, ConsultDrFat, its operator, and the practitioner shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Platform.
• Loss of data, profits, or business opportunity.
• Any harm resulting from acting or failing to act on medical advice where the information provided to the practitioner was incomplete or inaccurate.
• Interruptions to the service caused by third-party providers (Google Firebase, Paystack, Cloudflare) or your own internet connection.
• Any outcome of a consultation that does not meet your expectations, provided the practitioner has acted within the bounds of their professional obligations.

Our total aggregate liability for any claim arising from your use of the Platform shall not exceed the amount you paid for the specific session giving rise to the claim.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for fraud, death, or personal injury caused by negligence, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under Nigerian law.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ConsultDrFat and the practitioner from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or relating to:

• Your violation of these Terms;
• Your use of the Platform in a manner not permitted by these Terms;
• Your provision of false, incomplete, or misleading information during a booking or consultation;
• Any third-party claim arising from content you send during a session.

12. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to ConsultDrFat at our discretion, without notice, if:

• You breach any of these Terms;
• You engage in abusive, fraudulent, or unlawful behaviour;
• We are required to do so by law or a regulatory authority.

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Any outstanding bookings will be cancelled and refunds issued in accordance with Section 6.

You may delete your account at any time by contacting us. Deletion is subject to our data retention obligations (see Privacy Policy §7).

13. Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nigeria.

Before commencing legal proceedings, we encourage you to contact us to attempt to resolve any dispute amicably. Most concerns can be resolved through direct communication.

14. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last updated” date and, where appropriate, notify active users by email. Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of the updated Terms constitutes your acceptance.

15. Contact

For questions about these Terms, cancellation requests, or any complaints: