MP govt, UNFPA launch chatbot for health issues

The Madhya Pradesh government and the United Nations Population Fund launched an Artificial Intelligence-enabled chatbot on Monday to address the critical need for accurate and accessible information on social issues and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among adolescents and young adults. The ‘Just Ask/Khulke Poochho’ chatbot was launched by MP Health Minister Prabhuram Choudhary and UNFPA India Representative Andrea M. Wojnar.
The ‘Just Ask digital engagement platform will help users with questions related to growing up, bodily changes, menstruation, reproductive health, pregnancy and family planning, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other SRHR topics, an official release said.
“The chatbot engages users in interactive conversations and provides them with accurate and reliable information within minutes and free of charge.” The user experience is designed to be safe, personalised, multilingual, and empathetic. It features two aspiring role models, Dhruv and Drishti, who communicate information in a simple and relatable manner,” the release added.
The content is supported by engaging infographics that enhance comprehension and enable users to follow instructions easily, it said, adding that the ‘Just Ask’ chatbot links adolescents and young people to Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs), government health facilities, and helplines.
“This AI-enabled chatbot is an achievement for Madhya Pradesh and a step in the right direction for the health of young people in the state. With just a mobile phone, so many important questions can be asked and solutions provided,” Minister Choudhary said.