Tamil Nadu customizes Aarogya Setu; launches IVRS to respond to queries on Covid-19

Recently, the Central Government of India launched the AarogyaSetu App to enable people to assess themselves if they are at risk of catching the Coronavirus infection. The App can calculate the risk based on their interaction with others, using cutting edge Bluetooth technology, algorithms, and artificial intelligence. Once installed in a smartphone through an easy and user-friendly process, the App detects other devices with AarogyaSetu installed that come in the proximity of that phone.

In line with this, the Tamil Nadu government has launched its own Aarogya Setu IVRS system, which is one more step towards controlling this epidemic. This project is a collaborative effort of the Tamil Nadu Health department, TNEGA, IIT-Madras, and the Department of Telecom, Govt of India.

According to the government of Tamil Nadu, the IVRS system is a fine example of how a multiplier effect can be achieved when different energies are put together. The government believes that the IVRS system has a far better reach and will serve a better purpose than a smartphone App during crucial times like the Covid-19 situation.

The IVRS system was intentionally introduced by the TN government because it is observed that in our country only 30% of the population use smartphones. It is important to reach out to the remaining 70%.  This IVRS initiative bridges the gap and makes it possible for any mobile user - be it a smartphone or a feature phone to connect to the state's health department.

A senior spokesperson said that the advantage of this IVRS system is that it does not require Internet connection and it works in simple, easy to understand, question and answer model. Most importantly it converses with people in their mother tongue, that is,  in Tamil. "This is important if we want to reach out to all our farmers and village families and those who are not very technology aware," said the spokesperson.

This system is very easy to use and people can connect with the Health authorities by placing a missed call to #9499912345. The system calls them back and asks simple questions and based on the reply provided by them it gives them the right advice.