This photo shows a mother, her newborn child, and an ASHA worker (ETV Bharat)
Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government is piloting an artificial intelligence-powered application that can measure important health parameters of babies using only smartphone videos. This eliminates the need for traditional weighing and measuring equipment.
The AI-based application, named ‘Shishu Maapan’, has been developed by Wadhwani AI in collaboration with the state Health and Family Welfare Department, with which it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The app is currently being pilot tested in some areas, with plans to roll it out across the state based on the results.
Monitoring a newborn’s growth and development requires regular assessment of weight, height, chest circumference, and other important health indicators. Traditionally, these measurements are taken using scales and measuring tools carried by ASHA staff and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) during home visits. New AI-driven solutions aim to simplify this process.
The “Shishu Maapan” app allows healthcare workers to record a short video of a newborn and immediately receive details such as weight, height, chest circumference, shoulder measurements, head circumference, etc. This technology works without physical contact with the infant.
As part of the pilot project, videos of 1,000 newborns will be recorded to assess the accuracy and effectiveness of the app. The trial has started in Mangalagiri constituency and covers urban health centers and Pedavadrapudi Primary Health Center (PHC) in Indira Nagar, Koppurab Colony, Kaja and Eravalem. ASHA personnel and ANMs are trained to use the application for newborn health assessments.
“The ‘Shishu Maapan’ app will help in detecting developmental concerns in newborns. If any health issues are identified, alerts will be sent to the concerned health workers, allowing for timely intervention and better health services to the infant,” said Satya Kumar Yadav, state health minister.
He added that the government will consider introducing AI-based newborn health assessment across Andhra Pradesh after evaluating the results of the pilot program.
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