Study on Public Awareness of mHealth Apps Introduced by the Government of India Paropkari Akshata* Student, IIHMR University, Jaipur, Rajasthan *Corresponding Author: Dr. Akshata Paropkari Student, IIHMR University, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Email: paropkari.akshata@gmail.com
Online published on 4 June, 2019. Abstract Introduction The world, including India, is realising the potential of a smartphone for healthcare delivery. In light of this promising use of technology, the Indian government launched mHealth applications in 2016 under National Health Portal. However there is no evidence or effort to track the awareness and usage of these applications by the public. This study aimed to gather the level of awareness and usage among the population for the same. Material and Method 6 health apps under ‘National Health Portal’ of India were considered. A selfadministered questionnaire was prepared and sent to respondents over email. Their responses were recorded and analysed. Results Out of 119 responses, 51.27% were aware of any of the six considered apps. Out of those who were aware, a meagre 4.91% have used any of these apps. Majority of the respondents have used health app by a private firm. Conclusion The population studied was not alien to the concept of health apps. Majority of them have used an app but from a private firm and not the one launched by the government. With the growth of telecom sector, excellence of Indian IT industry, booming investment in healthcare industry, increasing technological literacy of the population, and above all, acceptance among population of using mobile applications as way of managing one's healthcare, the government of India should take more efforts in creating awareness and encouraging the citizens to make use of these apps. Top Keywords Mhealth, mobile applications, Government of India, digital health. Top |