Table 2

Overview of digital health solutions, listed in alphabetical order, used in the Kerala COVID-19 pandemic response

Solution nameDescriptionDigital technologyDigital solution
CommunicationSurveillanceClinical managementNon-clinical supportCore health system
1. Arogya MitraA chatbot providing information on the Kerala Health Department’s COVID-19 response activitiesWeb portalX OO 
2. Aarogya SetuInforming users regarding risks, best practices and relevant COVID-19 advisoriesMobile appXX X 
3. ArogyakeralamKerala’s National Health Mission portal, which includes COVID-19-related informationWeb portalX OOX
4. BeSafe TrackingTracks an individual by device/phone Global Positioning System (GPS)Mobile app X   
5. BlueTeleMedTelecounselling and telemedicineMobile app  X  
6. Break the Chain campaignCartoon characters convey important COVID-19 containment messagesOnline campaignX    
7. Break the Chain diaryPresents a route map of places visitedMobile app X   
8. Chiri (smile) telecallTelecounselling for children’s mental health involving frontline health workers (ASHAs, Anganwadi workers)Helpline/tele- callX X  
9. CoronaSafe Network—quizA multilingual quiz on COVID-19 myths and protective measuresWeb portalX    
10. CoronaSafe NetworkAn open-source disaster management platformWeb portalXXXXX
11. Covid SafetyBluetooth and GPS-enabled tracker to determine if a user comes into the proximity of a COVID-19-positive personMobile app X   
12. COVID-19 JagrathaReal-time surveillance, care and support for people affected by/quarantined with COVID-19Mobile app/web portalXXOXX
13. Department of Health and Family WelfareInformation on state health department activities, data visualisation on COVID-19 status, online training modules and communication materialsWeb portalX OOX
14. DISHA-1056A toll-free 24/7 telehealth helpline providing physical and mental health guidance, counselling and informationWeb portal/helplineXXXO 
15. Doctor just a phone call awayTelecounselling and telemedicine for police personnelHelpline, WhatsApp or video consultation  X  
16. Emergency Response Support System 112 serviceProvides rapid assistance in response to citizen ‘distress signals’ in the form of voice calls, SMSs, email and web requestsHelpline   X 
17. eSanjeevani OPDNational teleconsultation serviceMobile app/ web portal  X  
18. GoK DashboardGovernment of Kerala dashboard visualising COVID-19 status including daily reporting, quarantine report, test results and hot spotsWeb portalXXOXX
19. GoK-Direct KeralaShares announcements, updated guidelines and safety tips for visitors to KeralaMobile appX    
20. Kerala Battles COVIDConsolidation of COVID-19 management updates for public accessibilityWeb portalX OOX
21. Kerala Health Disease SurveillanceDisease surveillance app using phone location; also provides awareness on COVID-19Mobile appXXO  
22. Kerala Police Home Quarantine AssistanceCoordinates the delivery of non-clinical services to peopleMobile appXX X 
23. Kerala Sannadha Sena (volunteers)Enrols and coordinates community volunteersMobile app/ web portalX  XX
24. Kerala Superhero appTracks the near real-time location of volunteer assets like ambulance drivers, delivery crews and medical personnelMobile appX  XX
25. KoodeEnables people under home quarantine to self-report and collate health details dailyMobile appXXOXX
26. Koode helplineTelecounselling by Ayurveda doctorsHelpline  X  
27. Local self-government Kerala pandemic dashboardProvides information on local government COVID-19 activities and servicesWeb portalX  X 
28. Ottakkalla Oppamundu (‘not alone with you’)Provides psychosocial support to childrenHelpline  X  
29. People MoveTracks and delivers non-clinical services to peopleMobile appXXXX 
30. Pol-AppKerala police information programmeMobile app   X 
31. PRASANTHIFree service provision or directoryHelplineX OX 
32. Project Eagle Eye
Drone tracking of lockdown violationsDrones X   
33. Shops appOnline shoppingMobile app   X 
34. WhatsApp chatbotProvision of COVID-19 information and directory to servicesMobile appX   X
35. Kerala health online trainingEducational videos about COVID-19 on YouTubeMobile app/ web portalX   X

  • X = Provides this service or information directly

  • O = Links users onward to where this service or information is located

  • ASHAs, accredited social health activists; SMSs, short message services.