IVRS facility launched to bring those without smartphones under Aarogya Setu network

New Delhi: The government has launched an Aarogya Setu Interactive Voice Response System for people who do not have smartphones.

Giving a missed call to the number 1921 from a landline or feature phone gets one included in the Aarogya Setu network. A call back from the IVRS system asks the user recorded questions that can be answered by choosing an option corresponding to a digit on the dial pad

“The questions asked are aligned with Aarogya Setu App, and based on the responses given, citizens will also get an SMS indicating their health status and further alerts, the health ministry said.

The toll-free service is available in 11 regional languages similar to the mobile application.

Inputs provided by callers will be made part of the Aarogya Setu database and the information will be processed to send alerts to people on the action to be taken to ensure their safety.

Close to 9 crore users have downloaded the Aarogya Setu mobile application so far, a ministry official said.

The Centre on Friday made it mandatory for government and private sector employees to use the Aarogya Setu mobile application to bolster the efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and entrusted organisational heads with ensuring 100 per cent coverage.

Following the announcement, police in Noida, an Uttar Pradesh city that adjoins Delhi and is part of the National Capital Region said they would book people who do not have the app under IPC Section 188 that would attract a fine of Rs 1,000 or imprisonment up to six months.

Section 188 of IPC deals with disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant.