SUMMARY
Delhi NCR-based Innovaccer has launched a self-assessment based app to screen for patients
The self-assessment test asks users to fill in a survey based on their symptoms
It also provides coronavirus-related updates to citizens in the state
With over 420 positive cases of coronavirus and the disease Covid-19, state governments across India are now looking to incorporate more technology-based solutions in their fights against the novel coronavirus. In one such attempt, Goa has now launched a mobile application which will help the citizens to carry out a self-assessment test for Covid-19. Delhi NCR-based healthtech company Innovaccer has developed this application for Goa state government.
Using Innovaccer’s platform, anyone in Goa can conduct a self-assessment test by filling a survey based on the symptoms they are going through. The application, named ‘Test Yourself Goa’, assists users to take the next step accordingly without having to physically visit a healthcare facility. The application will help the government to curb the coronavirus panic in the state as people will first test themselves with this before queuing up at already overburdened hospitals. “I appeal to all our citizens to make use of the application to the fullest and take necessary safety measures,” said Vishwajit Rane, minister for health, the government of Goa.
Besides the self-assessment tool, the application also provides information on self-quarantine, helpline numbers, and updates related to the coronavirus. The ‘Test Yourself’ application sends educational materials on prevention guidelines, steps to take in quarantine, and other relevant information issued by the directorate of health.
Goa Medical College dean Dr SM Bandekar said that partnership with healthtech startup Innovaccer will allow the health department to spread awareness among the citizens. “It will help them conduct self-assessment of their health condition in an automated manner which will help the government to be one step ahead in beating the coronavirus,” he added.
How Other States Are Using Apps For Covid-19
Besides Goa, other state governments such as Kerala and Karnataka are also using applications to disseminate information to the citizens. While Kerala has developed its own application, Karnataka is using the services of messaging platform Telegram to curb the coronavirus panic.
Kerala government has launched an app called GoK – Direct Kerala with the help of QKopy. The Kerala-based startup also provided similar services at the time of SARS CoV-2 or Nipah virus outbreak. The application provides information and updates related to coronavirus to the users. Additionally, the platform also sends notifications on feature phones via SMS. This is quite helpful for users who still don’t use smartphones.
On the other hand, the Karnataka government’s CoVid-19 Karnataka-Sahaya Group also updates users about the latest information on coronavirus. It also checks fake news and rumours and also responds to coronavirus related queries and concerns of Karnataka’s citizens. Some state governments, such as Delhi, are reaching out to their citizens through social media platforms such as Twitter.
