MyGov WhatsApp Chatbot: Know Steps To Find Nearest Covid-19 Vaccination Centre

It is a simple process and users just need to save the number 9013151515 on their Android or iOS smartphone, and then start a chat by typing "Hi" and sending it to the number.

With the novel coronavirus cases surging across the country and overburdening the medical infrastructure, tech majors in collaboration with various partners have come together in offering solutions to distressed people in Covid times.

One such initiative is MyGov WhatsApp chatbot. With a view to make Covid-19 related information readily accessible to public, the official WhatsApp chatbot launched by the Ministry of Health and MyGov has been supporting people with various Covid-19 related information including the search on vaccination centres.

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Developed by artificial intelligence-focussed start-up Haptik, the application was made available to all WhatsApp users for free in English and Hindi languages.

What is MyGov WhatsApp chatbot?

MyGov WhatsApp chatbot is an automated chat within the app to help citizens access more accurate coronavirus-related information. Launched in April last year just before the the first nationwide lockdown, the Facebook-owned chat app has added many other functions and the latest being the information on the nearest Covid-19 vaccination centre.

In a recent update, WhatsApp head Will Cathcart expressed concern over the tough times being faced in India, and shared about the latest update about the platform.

How to find vaccination centre through the chatbot?

It is a simple process and users just need to save the number 9013151515 on their Android or iOS smartphone, and then start a chat by typing "Hi" and sending it to the number.

The user will be prompted to either type in a query or choose from a list of frequently asked questions. Depending on the question, users were provide verified and real-time information in the form of a video, infographic or text.

You can also use the chatbot via WhatsApp Desktop or Web by clicking on the link: wa.me/919013151515.

For instance in case of vaccination centre, user will need to provide pin code, and the app will respond with a list of vaccination centres.  At present, the vaccination centre and other vaccine-related information is option 1. The MyGovCorona Helpdesk chatbot also provides information on the latest alerts on coronavirus, professional advice and ways to improve immunity, success stories, facts checker, and more.

Remember that the chatbot may take some time to respond, and hence be patient.

Other than this several portals including the CoWIN portal, Aarogya Setu app, Google Maps can be of immense help for seeking out information related to any of the above issues.

Meanwhile, India reported 3,68,147 new COVID 19 cases and 3,417 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry. With this, the tally of total cases till date stand at  1,99,25,604 while the death toll has been pushed to 2,18,959. There are as many as 34,13,642 active cases of Coronavirus in the country which  16,29,3003 have been recovered.