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How to Download and Use the Indian Government's Aarogya Setu App

Team AckoMay 13, 2024

Throughout history, humanity has faced numerous disease outbreaks, with COVID-19 emerging as a formidable challenge in recent times. This virus swiftly traversed continents, compelling nations to enforce social distancing measures and impose lockdowns to curb its spread. As countries grappled with a common yet invisible adversary and with no cure in immediate sight, the emphasis shifted to preventive actions. The Indian government, recognising the urgency of the situation, turned to technology as a tool to combat the pandemic. In response, the Aarogya Setu App was developed, aiming to raise awareness and restrict the transmission of COVID-19.

By leveraging mobile technology, this app played a crucial role in disseminating information, facilitating self-assessment tests, and enabling contact tracing efforts. In the face of uncertainty, the app served as a vital resource, empowering individuals to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves and their communities against the virus. Read ahead to learn more about how to download and use the App.

Contents

What is The Aarogya Setu App:
Aarogya Setu App Safety
How to Download and Use the App:
Aarogya Setu App Key Features
Understanding How It Works:
Using the Self-Assessment Feature
Why Download the App:
ABHA Card or Number generation using the Application
Frequently Asked Questions:
News Related to Aarogya Setu App:

What is The Aarogya Setu App:

The Aarogya Setu mobile App, is a contact-tracing (tracking) application. The App is developed by the Indian Government to connect health services and battle the COVID-19 virus. It also aims to augment Government initiatives – such as those by the Department of Health – to spread awareness regarding risks and share information concerning best practices related to the virus.

Here are ten things you should know about the Aarogya Setu App.

The App helps in tracking using Bluetooth and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies.
It educates users about crossing paths with a COVID-affected person.
This App is a better version of the pre-existing Corona Kavach App.
Aarogya Setu App is among the most-popular Government Apps in India.
The Apps was downloaded five million times in just three days.
It ranks among the world’s fastest-growing Apps.
It supports eleven languages including English.
You do not have to pay for this App.
It can be downloaded by Android as well as iOS users.
It supports the Application Programming Interface (API)

Aarogya Setu App Safety

The Aarogya Setu app is a versatile tool available in 11 different languages, designed to assist individuals and families in protecting themselves against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). By providing crucial information and resources, the app empowers users to stay informed and take proactive measures to safeguard their health and well-being.

With its user-friendly interface and multilingual support, Aarogya Setu ensures accessibility to a wide range of users, regardless of linguistic preferences. Moreover, it encourages citizens to contribute to the national effort to combat the pandemic by leveraging their collective efforts.

By utilising the app's features, individuals can not only protect themselves and their loved ones but also actively participate in the broader fight against COVID-19. Aarogya Setu stood as a vital tool in promoting public health awareness and fostering community resilience in challenging times.

How to Download and Use the App:

You can download this App for free from your respective Smartphone’s Application platform such as Android or iOS. Listed below are the steps to download and use the App.

Step 1 – Download:

Ensure to download the official App. You can go through the App’s description, Logo, reviews, etc. to authenticate the App before downloading it. You can either search for the App by typing its name or go directly to the page by using official links stated by the authorities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also tweeted about the links to download the App. Android users can download the App from Play Store by clicking here. iOS users can download the App from the Apple Store by clicking here.

Step 2 – Set-up:

Once you have downloaded/installed the App, proceed towards setting things up. You will have to start by selecting your preferred language. You have the option to choose from eleven languages. Choose the one in which you are most comfortable as the rest of the process and communication will be in the selected language. The options include English, Hindi and other regional languages.

After you have selected the preferred language, go through the slides and explanatory text to understand how the App can be useful. The information will also be around how the App enables contact-tracing using Bluetooth and GPS.

You shall be notified if you have come near (six feet) someone who has unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19. If you are comfortable switching on Bluetooth and Location and setting the Location Sharing to ‘Always’, you can proceed to ‘Register Now’.

You will have to share your mobile number for Contact Tracing and Agree to the App permissions. Go through the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy if you have any concerns. Click on ‘I Agree’ and proceed if you are comfortable with Data Sharing.

You will be asked to share personal information such as your Gender, Name, Age, and Profession. The options in the Profession section include Doctors, Police, Chemist, Retailer, etc. The App will also ask you if you have travelled outside India in the last thirty days. You will be asked if you would be interested in volunteering. You can then proceed to take a Self-assessment Test.

Step 4 – Taking the Test:

After sharing basic information, you can proceed towards taking the COVID-19 self-assessment test. It is a short test which should not take more than twenty seconds to complete. The test kicks-off by asking if you have any symptoms like cough, fever, etc. It then asks if you have any pre-existing diseases like diabetes, heart issues, etc. The other questions include, whether you have interacted with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Step 5 – Results and Recommendations:

Based on the answers to the questions, the test will display results as Low Risk (Green), Moderate Risk (Orange), or High Risk (Red) and suggest the due course of action. For example, if the results show Low Risk, the App will state that you are safe and suggest Social Distancing. The list of recommendations includes tips for Social Distancing, Do’s and Don’ts, Safety Measures, etc.

Also, read: Ways To Remain Healthy During Social Distancing

Aarogya Setu App Key Features

The Aarogya Setu app offers a comprehensive array of features aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring public safety. First and foremost, it facilitates automatic contact tracing through Bluetooth technology, enabling users to be promptly notified if they have been in close proximity to someone diagnosed with the virus.

Furthermore, the app provides a self-assessment test based on guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), empowering individuals to evaluate their risk of infection. Users can access nationwide COVID-19 statistics and view their own risk status while also benefiting from e-Pass integration for streamlined movement during lockdowns.

With support for 12 languages, the app ensures accessibility to a diverse population. Additionally, it offers geo-location-based COVID-19 statistics, updates, advisories, and best practices. Users can also locate COVID-19 testing facilities and ICMR-approved labs, as well as access emergency helpline contacts, making Aarogya Setu an invaluable tool in the fight against the pandemic.

Understanding How It Works:

The App works on Smartphones, Bluetooth, GPS, Algorithms, and Artificial Intelligence among other technologies. It helps you to undertake a Self-assessment Test, educate yourself about Government recommendations and advisories, and stay alert if you cross paths with a COVID-19 positive person.

After installing the App, you are supposed to keep the Bluetooth and Location Sharing on. This helps in tracking. To simplify, your phone will detect other Smartphone users who have installed the App. This App can notify you about risks if any of those people test positive for COVID-19.

For example, a few days ago you met or were near Mr X (a stranger) at a public place. Some days later Mr X tests positive for COVID-19. Assuming you and Mr X had and have the Aarogya Setu App, the authorities will trace Mr X’s journey in the last 14 days and alert people (including you) who were near him. Such people will be notified and advised regarding the next steps which include self-isolation and getting tested at a nearby COVID-19 test centre.

Using the Self-Assessment Feature

Upon logging into the Aarogya Setu app, users are prompted to take the crucial self-assessment test for COVID-19. This feature is accessed by tapping the "Self-assessment test" button and initiating a chat window with a questionnaire. The questionnaire is designed to gather information on symptoms such as cough, fever, and other potential indicators of COVID-19.

Additionally, users are asked about any pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes or heart problems that may exacerbate the risk of severe illness from the virus. Importantly, the assessment includes inquiries about recent contact with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, aiding in contact-tracing efforts.

Upon completion, the assessment provides findings categorised into three risk levels: Low Risk (green), Moderate Risk (orange), or High Risk (red). These colour-coded results help users easily interpret their risk status. Based on the responses, the app recommends suitable courses of action, such as self-isolation, seeking medical advice, or monitoring symptoms closely. This streamlined process not only empowered users to assess their COVID-19 risk but also guided them toward appropriate measures to protect their health and prevent further transmission of the virus.

As per Government campaigns, here are five reasons why you should download the Aarogya Setu App.

Track the spread of COVID-19.
Secure yourself and your loved ones from the virus.
Stay updated with curated and relevant Government advisory related to COVID-19.
Take the Self-assessment test.
To ensure help and support.

ABHA Card or Number generation using the Application

The integration of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) with the Aarogya Setu app marks a significant advancement in digital healthcare services, offering users the ability to seamlessly generate an ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) number. Through the app, individuals can access this feature, allowing them to create their ABHA card or number with ease.

Users are presented with options to generate their ABHA number either via Aadhar card or driving licence, streamlining the process for diverse user preferences. Upon selection, users are prompted to input relevant identification details, with the app auto-populating fields if Aadhar card information is utilised. Once submitted and verified, the ABHA card or number is generated, granting users access to a digital record of healthcare services.

This integration not only enhances the utility of the Aarogya Setu app but also aligns with the broader goal of digitising healthcare services under the Ayushman Bharat initiative. By simplifying the process of obtaining an ABHA number, the app facilitates greater accessibility to healthcare resources and benefits, empowering individuals to manage their health effectively.

Moreover, the digital record provided by the ABHA number ensures convenience and transparency in accessing healthcare services, fostering a more efficient and inclusive healthcare ecosystem. Overall, this integration represented a significant step in leveraging technology to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for individuals across the nation.

Also, read: Arogya Sanjeevani Policy

Frequently Asked Questions:

Go through the following section to acquaint yourself with some of the frequently asked questions and their answers concerning the Aarogya Setu App.

Do I have to pay any kind of a fee to download and use the Aarogya Setu App?

No, the App is free to download and use. You do not have to pay any fees to access the service.

I have come across some reports that have raised concerns over the privacy of the data shared with this App. Is the App safe?

Government campaigns suggest that the App is privacy-first by design and the data shared is encrypted and secure. You can read through the Terms and Conditions, and the Privacy Policy of the App to make an informed choice.

Can I donate to the PM-CARES fund via the Aarogya Setu App?

Yes, you can donate to the PM-CARES fund via the App.

Is it mandatory to download and use this App?

Although the authorities are campaigning heavily to help people download the App, it is not mandatory as per the Government to do so as of 20th April 2020. It is your choice. If you feel that you will benefit from the App, then go ahead.

Can I access the App in Marathi?

The App supports eleven languages and Marathi is one of them.

This App has been developed under which ministry?

The App is developed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

How many people have downloaded the Aarogya Setu App? Is the App popular?

The App had crossed the ten million downloads mark in five days from its launch and is among the fastest-growing Apps in the world.

Do I have to follow Social Distancing even if I am marked as safe by the Aarogya Setu App?

Social Distancing is a way to ensure that the virus does not spread exponentially. Not following Social Distancing can expose you to the risk of catching the virus. If you are infected you can pass it on to others such as your family members and friends. Therefore, it is essential to follow Social Distancing and adhere to rules and regulations stated by the authorities and contribute to this fight against the virus.

Can I scan a QR Code to download the App?

Yes, you can visit mygov.in to scan and download the App.

Where can I read more about my rights, collection of information, and data security measures regarding the Aarogya Setu App.

You can read about technical information about the App by clicking here.

Explore More:

References:

Aarogya Setu Mobile App, National Portal of India, https://www.mygov.in/aarogya-setu-app/
Aarogya Setu: Help India defeat COVID-19, National Portal of India, http://jan-sampark.nic.in/campaigns/2020/04-Apr/Arogya/index.html
Privacy Policy, Aarogya Setu, https://web.swaraksha.gov.in/ncv19/privacy/

Aarogya Setu App Offers A New Feature

– August 24, 2020

Government of India’s mobile-based Aarogya Setu application now comes with a new feature. This new feature is known as ‘Open API Service’. Here, API stands for Application Program Interface. This new feature is designed to help employers and organisations know the health status of their employees (those who have consented for sharing information). Organisations that are registered in the country and employ more than fifty employees can benefit from this service. The contact-tracing app was launched in India in April 2020. In the recent past, the app has introduced features such as integration of e-pass, scanning of the Quick Response (QR) Code, and health status sharing. As per the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), with Aarogya Setu’s new Open Application Program Interface (API) Service feature, organisations will be in a position to integrate it in several Work-From-Home features.