Aarogya Setu

Aarogya Setu is a healthcare application designed specifically for users in India. It aims to help users quickly find nearby hospitals and laboratories, and schedule appointments and consultations, simplifying the consultation process while further protecting public safety. Aarogya Setu provides users with extensive data, treatment methods, and symptoms for common ailments, enabling self-diagnosis at home. Furthermore, Aarogya Setu is continuously updated, introducing new features to bring even greater convenience to users' medical consultations and health.

Features:

The application includes a variety of features that cater to public health and well-being. One prominent aspect is the provision of nation-wide COVID-19 statistics, offering users real-time information about infection rates and trends across the country. Additionally, it provides emergency COVID-19 helpline contacts, ensuring that users have access to support whenever necessary.

Aarogya Setu also features a list of ICMR-approved laboratories that offer COVID-19 testing. This allows users to locate testing facilities conveniently, streamlining the process of getting tested. The application assesses the infection status of the user, giving personalized feedback based on their health data and risk exposure. A QR code scan feature enables users to share their health status with others, facilitating easy communication regarding health conditions.

For those managing their health records, the app allows the creation of an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA). This feature helps users build and maintain a longitudinal health record, offering a comprehensive view of their health journey from admission to treatment and discharge, all in a paperless format. The linking and discovery of health records, along with simplified consent management for sharing this data, enhance user autonomy and control over their personal health information.

Aarogya Setu integrates with the eRaktKosh API, which is provided by CDAC. This integration allows users to search for nearby blood banks and check the availability of blood units in real-time for various blood groups. Users can filter results based on distance and access crucial information such as contact numbers and directions to these facilities.

The app also includes a self-assessment test based on guidelines set forth by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This feature encourages users to evaluate their symptoms and determine the necessity for further medical attention. For vaccination purposes, Aarogya Setu facilitates registration for COVID-19 vaccinations and allows users to download their vaccination certificates once they have been vaccinated.

Highlights:

ABHA Creation: Create and Login your ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) seamlessly through Aadhaar face authentication

Access health records from any ABDM-enabled facility

Upload health records to secure, government-approved health storage - DigiLocker for personal and family health management

Quick “Scan and Share” for OPD registration at ABDM enabled hospitals, clinics, and labs.

Digital payments for health services at registered facilities through “Scan and Pay”

View Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) empanelled hospitals, treatment details, and wallet balances for family members through National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX)

Manage your Family’s health at one place by adding your family member to your account.

Consent-based sharing of health records at ABDM-enabled facilities

Discover doctors, laboratories, hospitals, and blood banks and blood availability anywhere in India.

User Reviews:

A technical feedback to developers: l have already praised the app before. But in currentversion l noticed the loading time is more than before. Plus when then network in slow lsaw more lag and previously loaded data not visible till proper internet comes. So as amobile app expert myself my suggestion is that revert the changes done on the techstack which is causing this, either the app is not responsive web which is caching itselffor next launch or the app is native and now taking much more time as offline data is notstored, in either case the user experience is effected. Also l noticed the donate nowbutton is missing now. so make the change quickly and do a release. Overall A greatinitiative and innovative app by Indian government. Thanks for using tech to containcovid.

I would like suggest an idea which can be incorporate with this app. Not sure if this isalready in it. ldea for contact tracing. Most difficult problem seems to be contact tracingYou can use google nearby api and google maps to broadcast some unique id to nearbymobile and receive their uniaue id. Block chain can be used here. lf a person get infectedwe will get the complete list of people who were in close contact and probably infectedincluding the known people eg friends,neighbors and unknown people eg on railway, busstation and airport who got infected during the passby with this feature who can bequarantine and avoid further infections. Same feature can be use to notify the people ifthey are in close proximity of some one infected. Please reach out to me if l can be of anyhelp to develop this feature.

This app is good but needs to have a connect with the user. The provision for an index (inthe form of a number) can be introduced which gives a user a sense that he is going upor down on this scale so that he feels the app. Here only green or yellow or red is a bigzone. So based on the area and contact tracing a number can be assigned to a person itcan be of say 12 digit and with his movement around number changes. Higher thenumber higher the risk criteria can be adopted.Presently many people have downloadedthe app, installed it but removed after that as it has nothing to show them except thegreen. App needs something to connect with the user.Kindly add a Corona colourcontouring map in the app this will be very good in forming the lockdown withdrawalstrategy.

FAQs:

Is the Aarogya Setu app mandatory for all domestic flights?

No, the Aarogya Setu app is not mandatory for all domestic flights, but it is highly recommended for safety reasons. Having the app can streamline the travel process and ensure compliance with health guidelines.

What happens if I don’t have the Aarogya Setu app installed?

If you don't have the app installed, you may be required to undergo additional health checks at the airport. This can include temperature screenings and health questionnaires, which may delay your travel process.

How do I show my Aarogya Setu status at the airport?

Open the Aarogya Setu app on your mobile device and display your status to the airline staff during check-in and boarding. This helps in ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience.

Are there any exceptions to the Aarogya Setu app requirement?

Yes, there are exceptions for individuals who may not have a smartphone or are unable to use the app due to technical reasons. In such cases, alternative health checks may be conducted to ensure passenger safety.

Can international travelers use the Aarogya Setu app?

Yes, international travelers can use the Aarogya Setu app to stay informed about COVID-19 cases and ensure their safety during travel. The app provides real-time updates and health tips, making it a valuable tool for travelers.

Final Thoughts:

All in all, Aarogya Setu is a good app to have since the Indian government itself is maintaining it to easily stay in contact with the local people. However, there are still a lot to add and polish before it can become an app everyone can depend on. Nevertheless, it’s free to use and gives out helpful data for anyone who wants to be up-to-date with the current events.