Aarogya Setu 2.0
- Context: Union Health Minister launched ‘Aarogya Setu 2.0’, an upgraded digital health application.
About Aarogya Setu 2.0
- Aarogya Setu 2.0 is the new version of the ‘Aarogya Setu’ app.
- It functions as a Personal Health Record (PHR) system and facilitates easy access to digital health services under the ‘Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’ (ABDM).
Background
- The original ‘Aarogya Setu’ app was developed by the Government of India during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist with contact tracing, health risk alerts, and public awareness.
Handover to NHA
- Post-pandemic, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology handed over the app to the National Health Authority (NHA) to integrate it into India’s digital health ecosystem.
Key Objective:
- The app enables individuals and families to digitally store and manage their health records.
- It also serves as an integrated platform for accessing various health services under the ABDM.
Key Features
- Creation and management of ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account).
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- Storage and access of digital health records.
- Use of the ‘scan and register’ facility for quick hospital registration.
- Digitization of medical records using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
- Viewing a personalized digital health dashboard. Available Healthcare Services
- Searching for hospitals empanelled under the PM-JAY scheme.
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- Locating nearby hospitals and health centers.
- Checking blood availability via e-RaktKosh.
- Managing health records of family members.
- Providing or revoking consent for the secure sharing of health data.
Ayushman Sarathi
- Context: The Government of India has launched ‘Ayushman Sarathi’, the official WhatsApp chatbot for the PM-JAY scheme.
About Ayushman Sarathi
- It enables beneficiaries to access key services under the ‘Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’ (PM-JAY) scheme.
- This chatbot has been developed by the ‘National Health Authority’ (NHA).
- It is integrated with PM-JAY systems via secure API integration.
- It is not merely an information-providing chatbot; it also offers direct services within WhatsApp.
- Users can access PM-JAY services anytime, from anywhere, thereby reducing the need to visit medical centers in person.
- It provides round-the-clock digital support to Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries.
Services Offered
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- Users can check PM-JAY eligibility, apply for and download the Ayushman card, complete eKYC, link their Aadhaar number, and lock or unlock their PM-JAY card.
- Senior citizens aged 70 and above can access the ‘Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card’ to avail health insurance benefits of up to ₹5 lakh under the scheme.
- Users can view their wallet balance and treatment history, locate nearby empanelled hospitals, register grievances or check their status, request a callback, and provide feedback after treatment.
eSARAS
- Context: The Government highlighted the growing impact of eSARAS, the official digital marketplace for products made by Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM, as a key initiative promoting rural livelihoods, women entrepreneurship and Digital India.
About eSARAS
- eSARAS is the official online e-marketplace of DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission).
- It is developed by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
- It is created exclusively for products made by Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations.
Objective
- To provide a digital marketing platform for rural women SHGs.
- To promote rural handmade and traditional products across India.
- To support livelihood enhancement and financial inclusion.
Product Categories
- Home and Living products
- Women’s Apparel and Accessories
- Men’s Apparel and Accessories
- Personal Care products
- Food items
- Kids toys and accessories
Significance
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- Connects artisans and SHGs directly to customers without middlemen.
- Provides branding, marketing, and logistics support to SHGs.
- Showcases India’s traditional crafts like:
- Chanderi sarees (Madhya Pradesh)
- Marble crafts (Rajasthan)
- Pashmina products (Jammu & Kashmir)
