The Punjab Government has introduced a ground-breaking WhatsApp-based chatbot to improve public healthcare and make citizen interaction with government services rational. Rolled out recently across 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics and growing extremely fast, the chatbot uses digital technology to deliver high-quality care and minimum information on mobile phones of citizens, a programme now being delivered to almost 70,000 patients on a daily basis.
Instant access to doctor's prescription slips and lab test reports
The patients have instant access to their doctor's prescription slips, laboratory test reports, and medical history in electronic format through WhatsApp without having paper copies and being easily stored and shared.
Reminders for follow-up visits with the doctor
The chatbot provides automatic reminders to follow-up visits to the doctor, prompting the patients to remain on track with their treatments.
Alerts related to health
There are continuous developments in preventive care, especially for older diabetic or hypertensive patients, pregnant females, and new babies.
No waiting in line
With automation of repetitive information and document exchange, the chatbot minimizes time and effort, enabling patients to avoid long waiting times at clinics for regular questions or reports.
Private and secure
The patient information is kept safe inside the chatbot system, and reports may be easily shared with family members or passed on to other physicians if necessary.
Wide outreach and convenience
With around 90% of Punjabis owning smartphones, the interoperability with WhatsApp makes it possible to reach out to citizens in rural and urban regions alike.
Future expansion
The government also announced the addition of 200 more new clinics to the network, advancing health access through this digital system further.
This future-oriented chatbot is also an example of adopting artificial intelligence for public service, as observed through its application on missing children helplines and grievances redressal, increasing the efficiency, transparency, and usability of citizen-government engagement.
Through the Punjab Government chatbot, the government is pioneering digital governance and health delivery and placing essential services in the people's hands and health in the touch of a message.