Govt launches chatbot to address common concerns

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday launched a chatbot to address common concerns pertaining to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), said Tania Aidrus, the head of Digital Pakistan.

In a tweet, she said: “Our team wanted to build an effective way to get information out to Pakistanis. We’ve launched a chatbot to address common concerns on coronavirus. You can find labs near you and even do a quick test to assess your risk of coronavirus. Try it out.”

The bilingual chatbot is aimed at providing the nation with necessary information related to the COVID-19.

The Digital Pakistan team in collaboration with Botsify created the chatbot, which connects the users with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.

The chatbot will be used as a platform to address common queries about the novel coronavirus and quell misinformation widespread on the social media.

The users can pick the language of their choice i.e. Urdu or English and subscribe to the COVID-19 updates.

The chatbot will provide information related to coronavirus symptoms, precautions, risks as well as testing.

Aidrus and her team have been working to bring a digital solution for people who do not have access to authentic information.