NEW DELHI, MARCH 21
With myths and misinformation spreading as fast as COVID-19 itself, the Centre has launched an official chatbot on messaging app WhatsApp to resolve any queries related to COVID-19.
The chatbot has been named MyGov Corona Helpdesk and is a bid to make citizens aware of the pandemic. It is developed and implemented by Jio Haptik Technologies Limited, one of the world’s largest conversational AI platforms and a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) under its CSR initiative.
To use the MyGov Corona Helpdesk, one needs to save the number 9013151515 in the phone’s contact list and send a query related to COVID-19 to get an answer. The helpdesk is free for all.
The government has not limited itself to the WhatsApp chatbot and has set up two helpline numbers +91-11-23978046 and 1075 (toll-free) as well to answer queries.
The Centre has also set up an email id ncov2019@gov.in to resolve any queries that people might have regarding the dreaded disease.
The Ministry of Health has also created a webpage (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ ) that provides important information.
Reliance Industries’ CSR initiative
This Chatbot has been developed by Jio Haptik for free of cost, and updated in real-time, as per instructions from NeGD and MyGov (both under MEITY). The real-time updates will curb the circulation of false information that can cause mass hysteria while educating the population about the present scenario. Equipped with verified data from the Ministry of Health, the chatbot can resolve FAQs on the novel coronavirus. This includes necessary precautionary measures, symptoms, correct & incorrect facts, helpline numbers, affected cases in the region, Government advisories (including travel), informational videos, etc.
Apart from the government initiative, Google too has started an initiative called ‘Do the Five. Help stop Coronavirus’s campaign on its home page which lists out the things a person should follow to prevent the spread of the disease.
