Government Introduces COVID-19 Surveillance Application Named 'Aarogya Setu'
The Ministry of Electronics and IT in India has launched a mobile app called 'AarogyaSetu' to combat the spread of COVID-19. This app is a part of the Digital India initiative and aims to assess the risk of COVID-19 infection for individuals.
How AarogyaSetu Works
The AarogyaSetu app works by using Bluetooth and location data to create a social graph of a user’s interactions. It identifies whether a user has been in proximity with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, thereby assessing the risk of contracting the virus. Users input data through the app or a complementary IVRS system, which gathers health status information and sends alerts based on self-reported symptoms and contact with infected individuals.
Risk Assessment and Data Collection
Based on this contact tracing, the app calculates the risk of infection. The collected data is securely processed by government servers to send timely risk notifications and advice. User health inputs are integrated into a centralized database for alert and advisory purposes.
Privacy Measures
While the app uses anonymized Bluetooth and GPS data to ensure proximity detection without revealing personal identities publicly, the specific technical details of its privacy measures are not fully disclosed. However, the app's development by the Ministry of Electronics and IT implies adherence to government-mandated data protection protocols, and it has undergone continuous evolution with attention to privacy as it transitioned into a broader National Health App.
A Unique Collaborative Effort
The AarogyaSetu app is a unique example of young talent coming together to respond to a global crisis. It represents the potential of young India towards a disease-free and healthy future of the nation. The app is designed to help the government take necessary steps for assessing the risk of COVID-19 spread and ensuring isolation where required.
Availability and Scalability
The app is now available in 12 languages, expanding its accessibility, and has been designed with a scalable architecture, enabling its use across India. 'AarogyaSetu' serves as a bridge between the public and private sectors, digital technology, and health services delivery.
In conclusion, the AarogyaSetu app is a powerful tool for assessing the risk of COVID-19 spread and ensuring isolation where necessary. It uses Bluetooth technology, algorithms, and artificial intelligence to calculate the risk of infection. Personal data collected by the app remains encrypted and secure on the user's phone until needed for medical intervention. The app is a testament to the potential of collaboration and innovation in combating global health crises.
The AarogyaSetu app, a product of collaboration, utilizes technology to assess the risks of medical-conditions like COVID-19. It incorporates health-and-wellness data, Bluetooth technology, and artificial intelligence to calculate the risk of infection, hence contributing to the fight against the pandemic.