New AI chatbot encourages women to ask their health doubts comfortably

For many women finding reliable answers to questions about their health can be difficult particularly when the subject is sensitive or rarely discussed Myna Bolo the WhatsApp chatbot by Govandibased Myna Mahila Foundation aims to make such information easier to access allowing women to ask questions privately and in languages they are familiar with as the responses are developed in consultation with local doctors and medical professionals to ensure the information provided is accurate and relevantThe chatbot encourages women to discuss healthrelated concerns with privacyDivya Mahatme the platformrsquos communications and design associate elaborates on this recentlylaunched chatbot ldquoThe chatbot was developed with women from communities that Myna Mahila Foundation has previously worked with and during the conversation more than 10000 healthrelated queries were generated in Marathi Hindi and English and even during the development process with TeluguEnglish subsequently addedrdquo These queries then shaped a localised knowledge base where qualified doctors and medical professionals consulted during development The responses were tested for accuracy language comprehension and consistency across languages before the chatbot was made available to usersWomen at the organisation learn how to use and interact with the chatbot in Maharashtra and Andhra PradeshUsing WhatsApp means women do not have to download another application Research manager Aditi DugapalDubey explains ldquoUsers can ask questions ranging from general health concerns to more sensitive queries around menstrual health PCOD and PCOS fertility pregnancy and vaginal dischargerdquo adding that the nature of questions can vary with age and circumstance Younger users may ask about periods or PCOS while middleaged and older users may seek information around conception delayed periods or pregnancyrelated concerns The result is a tool shaped by local language and lived experiences making health information accessible and not overwhelmingLog on to mynamahilaWhat does the bot doThe chatbot provides contextual information and when a concern appears serious directs users towards professional medical care For higherrisk medical questions users can be referred to telehealth support or seek a doctorrsquos appointment The foundation also has protocols for potentially highrisk situations such as domestic violence including limiting notifications and providing relevant helpline information where appropriateAs privacy is central to the platform the user data is encrypted and users can request its deletion It also acknowledges that WhatsApp accounts may be accessed on shared devices which can make women worry about family members seeing sensitive conversations Users can therefore be guided on deleting their chatsBy Shweta Jumde product associateFrequently asked questionsgtgt Menstrual health Heavy bleeding irregular periods and period crampsgtgt PCODPCOS Symptoms and managing the conditionsgtgt Fertility Chances of conception delayed periods and what to eat or do when trying to conceivegtgt Pregnancy Everyday questions and concerns during pregnancygtgt Vaginal health Different types and colours of vaginal dischargegtgt General health Dizziness and concerns around diet sleep and anaemiagtgt Menopause Questions about perimenopause menopause and the changes women experience during this stageHow to access Myna BoloSave the Myna Bolo WhatsApp number 8420093835 on your phoneOpen WhatsApp and send ldquoHirdquo to the numberFollow the prompts to get startedDisclaimerThis is an AI enabled chatbot and offers general advice as a starting point Do not rely on it for health choices Readers are advised to consult their doctors as the next step The information provided should not be regarded as medical advice diagnosis or treatment