Jyotsna S Patel, a rural health Asha worker from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, has been dedicated to her profession for 13 years. Working tirelessly in remote areas, with payment only coming in the form of incentives, any technology that can help ease the workload is highly appreciated by Patel. One such tool that has been a game-changer for her is the ‘Shishu Maapan’ tool on her mobile phone.
Developed by the nonprofit Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the Shishu Maapan tool utilizes artificial intelligence to facilitate anthropometry during the first 42 days of a child’s life. Following research that began in 2019 under the National Health Mission, the tool was pilot tested and recently introduced in Patel’s Union territory.
The tool has made a significant impact on Patel and over 480 of her colleagues in the region, enabling them to record a child’s weight and other growth parameters without the need for a heavy salter scale. Through a simple video taken on the phone, measurements such as height, weight, chest circumference, head circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference can be relayed to health facilities and doctors. This information is crucial in identifying any potential health issues and ensuring timely medical intervention for the child.
Dr Sneha Nikam, a senior programme manager at Wadhwani AI, highlights the importance of the Shishu Maapan tool in reducing infant mortality rates. By providing accurate and image-based analysis, the tool allows for remote monitoring of a child’s growth parameters, especially during the critical neonatal stage.
Though the development of the tool was a complex process involving a multidisciplinary team of experts, the impact it has had on improving healthcare for newborns is undeniable. With ongoing pilot testing in three States, the team at Wadhwani AI aims to scale up the tool for nationwide deployment this year.
