Agha Khan University Launches “CoronaCheck” Self Screening App for Coronavirus
The Agha Khan University Hospital has launched the CoronaCheck Mobile application, a self-screening tool designed to help individuals assess their risk of having COVID-19. This innovative app aims to reduce the burden on healthcare facilities and provide users with timely indications for Coronavirus testing and medical attention.
Background and Context
The outbreak of Coronavirus in Pakistan has posed significant challenges for the administration, with one of the major hurdles being the screening of patients. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) screening test is the most effective solution, but it requires special test kits that indicate the presence of the virus inside the body. The arrangement of these test kits is a challenge, as they are imported from foreign countries. The government of Pakistan has ordered multiple quantities of kits from China and Japan to meet the demand.
The testing of Coronavirus is crucial to combat the spread of the virus. However, one of the drawbacks of these kits is that they provide results after an 8-hour incubation period. Recently, a biomedical company in the United States, Abbot, launched a testing device that provides results in less than 5 minutes.
Current Testing Capacity and Challenges
According to Dr. Zafar Mirza, the spokesperson for Prime Minister Imran Khan, approximately 6,500 tests are conducted daily, and the government aims to increase this number to over 20,000 tests per day. As the number of tests increases, there has been a significant rise in the number of Coronavirus patients across the country, with over 4,200 active patients and 60 reported deaths.
One of the most confusing aspects for the public is determining whether they should get tested or not, as the symptoms of Coronavirus and common flu are similar. This is where the CoronaCheck app comes in, providing users with a self-screening tool to assess their risk of having COVID-19.
Features and Functionality of CoronaCheck
The CoronaCheck app is based on an artificial intelligence system and provides a chatbot for users to understand their symptoms and receive timely indications for Coronavirus testing and medical attention. The app also allows users to identify potential carriers of the virus and provides information on how to limit the risk of transmission. Additionally, it includes a detailed list of national helpline numbers and features academic videos in Urdu to tackle myths and misconceptions about the virus.
The app has been approved by Alberta Health Services and has been diversified to fulfill the local context and developing epidemiology of the disease. It includes factual information on best practices to protect oneself from the disease, advice on self-assessment, and protection and recommendation on physical distancing as recommended by the World Health Organization and national health ministries.
Benefits and Impact
The CoronaCheck app is designed to reduce the burden on healthcare facilities and hospitals. Saleem Sayani, Director of AKU’s TISC, stated, “The coronavirus has positioned the country’s healthcare system under huge burden, with frontline healthcare specialists working around the clock. With the help of this app, we hope to share helpful advice that can avoid new cases and provide relief to afraid citizens during a time of widespread concern.”
FAQs
- What is the CoronaCheck app, and how does it work?
- Is the CoronaCheck app approved by any health authorities?
- What kind of information does the CoronaCheck app provide?
The CoronaCheck app is a self-screening tool that uses artificial intelligence to assess an individual’s risk of having COVID-19. It provides a chatbot for users to understand their symptoms and receive timely indications for Coronavirus testing and medical attention.
Yes, the CoronaCheck app has been approved by Alberta Health Services.
The CoronaCheck app provides information on how to limit the risk of transmission, national helpline numbers, and factual information on best practices to protect oneself from the disease.
Overall, the CoronaCheck app is a valuable tool in the fight against Coronavirus, providing users with a self-screening tool to assess their risk of having COVID-19 and reducing the burden on healthcare facilities and hospitals. By using this app, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus.
