Goa, in India, became the first state to launch a COVID 19 self-assessment tool, in partnership with Innovacer, in order to help people identify symptoms and risks of being infected by this novel coronavirus without having to visit a healthcare facility physically.
The self-assessment tool, Test Yourself Goa, has a short survey to be taken by individuals to produce the results. It seeks information such as name, contact number, location, and related questions on recent travel, having any symptoms of fever and cough, and any existing health conditions to be mentioned. And based on a survey, the app tool tells the user whether they are likely or not likely suspect of the COVID-19 virus.
“The application automatically sends the educational materials on prevention guidelines, steps to take in quarantine, and other relevant information from the Directorate of Health. The solution automates the identification processes by sending self-evaluation assessments as patients book appointments,” says Dr Jose D’ Sa, Director, Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa.
The solution, based on their results, also assists the users in taking the necessary steps. The app also provides information on self-quarantine and provides helpline numbers to reach out to, and other such information. This app has been designed to help the government to monitor vulnerable and affected citizens by empowering them to self-report. Partnering with Innovaccer, a US-based healthcare data analytics company, the government of Goa developed the self-assessment platform to create a better future.
When asked, Vishwajit Rane, Minister for Health, Goa about the initiative, he said, “The partnership with Innovaccer is one of the critical elements in our government’s strategy to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Goa and the nation. We are proud to become the first state in India to adopt technology solutions to tackle Coronavirus and launch the first app to enable patients to conduct self-assessment of their vulnerability to the COVID-19 virus. We appeal to our citizens to stay informed and take the necessary measures to stay healthy.”
Speaking at the launch, Dr Bandekar, Dean of GMC, said, “It is a very critical time for everyone in the nation. I offer my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus disease. We must explore every possible way to prevent it from spreading more and affecting Goa. The partnership with Innovaccer will allow us to spread awareness among the citizens and help them conduct self-assessment of their health condition in an automated fashion and be one step ahead in beating the Coronavirus”.
“During such a crucial period, we are holding our flag “caring as one” high and it is our honor to add value towards the work of the Government of Goa to fight this pandemic,” says Kanav Hasija, Chief Customer Success Officer at Innovaccer. “We felt the need to develop a solution that will enable patients to be one step ahead in fighting against Coronavirus. ”
“Innovaccer has been on a mission to connect healthcare and bring all of the stakeholders together to care as one. That mission holds true now more than ever,” says Abhinav Shashank, CEO at Innovaccer. “It’s an honour to work with the government of Goa and launch India’s first automated self-evaluation assessment to tackle the COVID-19 virus. We are optimistic that this partnership will play a key role in curbing this pandemic and keeping citizens safe.”
