Aarogya Setu

A mobile application developed by the Government of India for contact tracing and health services related to COVID-19.

Aarogya Setu App Logo

Aarogya Setu is a mobile application developed by the Government of India to connect essential health services with the people of India in the combined fight against COVID-19. The app is aimed at augmenting the initiatives of the government, particularly the Department of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in proactively reaching out to and informing the users of the app regarding risks, best practices, and relevant advisories pertaining to the containment of COVID-19.

Development and Launch

Aarogya Setu was developed by the National Informatics Centre under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The app was launched on April 2, 2020, and quickly became one of the most downloaded apps in India, with millions of users registering within the first few days of its release.

Features

The app uses Bluetooth and GPS technology to track the interaction of users with others who have tested positive for COVID-19. It provides information on the risk of infection based on the user's location and interactions. The app also offers self-assessment tests, updates on COVID-19 cases, and information on nearby testing centers.

Contact Tracing

Aarogya Setu uses Bluetooth-based contact tracing to identify users who have come in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. If a user is found to be at risk, the app alerts them and provides guidance on the next steps, such as self-isolation or testing.

Self-Assessment

The app includes a self-assessment tool that allows users to evaluate their symptoms and determine their risk of having contracted COVID-19. Based on the responses, the app provides recommendations and guidance.

Information and Updates

Aarogya Setu provides users with the latest updates on COVID-19, including statistics on the number of cases, recoveries, and deaths. It also offers information on government advisories and safety measures.

Privacy and Data Security

The app has been subject to scrutiny regarding privacy and data security. The government has assured users that the data collected is encrypted and stored securely, and that it is only used for the purpose of contact tracing and health services.

Impact and Reception

Aarogya Setu has been widely used across India and has played a significant role in the country's efforts to manage the spread of COVID-19. However, it has also faced criticism from privacy advocates and some sections of the public.

Related pages

• COVID-19 pandemic in India
• Contact tracing
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare