Bharti Airtel today announced an exclusive collaboration with Apollo 24|7, the digital business unit of The Apollo Hospitals Group to support India’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership aims to bring together Airtel’s pan-India network reach and Apollo Hospital’s digital healthcare platform – Apollo 24/7 to raise awareness and break the chain of the spread of COVID-19.
Apollo 24|7 has launched a Free digital self-assessment test on the Airtel Thanks app to enable its customers to check their COVID-19 risk profile. The test has been developed by Apollo 24/7 and uses AI-based technologies to allow users to assess their COVID-19 risk profile by answering a few simple questions. Based on the user responses, the digital tool generates a risk score and suggests the next best action including online consultation.
Additionally, the App also provides self-care tips, social distancing guidelines and other important prevention steps as suggested by WHO and MOHFW. To provide the best and fast consultation, over 100 Apollo expert doctors will answer the questions of all those who take the online scan. According to Airtel, these initiatives are designed to help Airtel customers alleviate any anxieties or doubts relating to COVID-19 and ensuring that the country, at large, stays safe.
Commenting on the announcement, Ms. Shobana Kamineni, Executive Vice Chairperson, The Apollo Hospitals Group said, “Apollo 24|7 truly empowers individuals to protect their health. With the free COVID19 scan AI tool, Airtel customers across India will get validated data and Apollo’s resources to take care of their health, well-being, and safety. This AI-powered BOT is unique because it combines the expertise of our Apollo doctors along with critical global sources of health information, such as the WHO and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.”
Furthermore, the tool also allows users to check the COVID-19 risk profile of their region through an India wide COVID-19 heat map grading regions from high to low risk based on aggregated responses from these locations. This enables users to be more aware of the evolution of the situation within the country, and be more adept at maintaining social distancing to break the COVID-19 chain.
Gopal Vittal, MD & CEO (India and South Asia) Bharti Airtel said, “These are unprecedented times and we are working hard with our partners such as Apollo 24|7 to leverage digital technologies to help the nation. Airtel Thanks platform reaches millions of people in India and we hope this innovative tool can provide a sense of urgency around the need for social distancing to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19. Airtel remains fully committed to serving the nation in this difficult hour and support the efforts of the Government.”
Patients at risk and falling under the ICMR approved testing parameters will be guided to the authorized testing centers for the COVID-19 test. Airtel has also confirmed that information shared by users will be kept strictly confidential. The quick risk scan can be taken across platforms including mobile smartphones, laptops, and desktops.