Srinagar: The government-run Aarogya Setu app, meant for tracking user location and contact history, has become dysfunctional with the suspension of mobile phone and internet services in Kashmir valley.
Aarogya Setu app needs an active internet connection to keep track of app users and who they come in contact with. Accordingly, it alerts users if there is a Covid-19 patient or someone with a contact history with Covid-19 patient near them.
The government recently made the app compulsory for government as well as private employees.
A doctor posted at SKIMS Soura hospital told Kashmir Reader, “As people have been unable to use Aarogya Setu app on their phones, it has affected the tracking mechanism. The app was of good help as it was easy for us to track down contacts, but for the last two days we have had no information through the app.”
He added, “We’re also struggling to track down contacts in the absence of phone communication.”
President of Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK), Dr Suhail Naik told Kashmir Reader that the suspension of internet and phone services amid the pandemic has affected health care services. “For the last two days, many other initiatives have been unoperational,” he said.
Dr Naik added, “Through the Aarogya Setu app, it was easier for people to keep track of their activities and their contact history by themselves, especially health workers, but the app is of no use in Kashmir valley now.”

KALEEM GEELANI