Mumbai: Glitch in Aarogya Setu app brings Ghatkopar man's life to halt

Jitendra Machhar

A glitch in the Aarogya Setu app has brought a Ghatkopar businessman's life to a standstill. Interior designer Jitendra Machhar had tested positive for COVID-19 in May 2020. However, the app continues to show him as positive, because of which he has not been able to enter offices for work, taking a hit in business. Machhar has submitted online complaints but the problem has not been resolved so far.

Jeweller Mitesh Ambavi

The Aarogya Setu app created to spread awareness about COVID-19 and keep track of those infected across the country is now giving trouble to many citizens. Due to some technical error, the application shows people as COVID-19 positive, even if they have recovered months back.

Machhar is one such citizen facing the issues. He told mid-day, "During lockdown, my business was down due to COVID. Now it is down due to the Aarogya Setu application. My business involves visiting corporate offices where they check my Aarogya Setu app, based on which I can enter offices. I uninstalled and installed the app many times since May but it still shows me as COVID positive."

A screenshot of Jitendra Machhar's Aarogya Setu app showing him as COVID positive

"I have fully recovered and have no COVID symptoms. I am not able to collect money from clients. I also informed my doctors and they, too, were shocked at my report," Machhar said. Recounting another incident where the app inconvenienced him, Machhar said, "A few months ago, I visited a seven-star hotel with my friends. Seeing my COVID positive status, the hotel didn't let me enter. We changed plans and went to another hotel. I have also submitted complaints to the app."

In another incident, Jeweller Mitesh Ambavi, who runs his shop at MG Road in Ghatkopar, said, "In September, my relative tested positive and I went to a Vidyavihar hospital to admit him. My relative was not using his mobile phone so I gave my number to the hospital. The doctors there put my number in the COVID report and the app showed me as positive. My family was quarantined for 14 days and the health department harassed us. Everyone in our family uninstalled the app."

A screenshot of Machhar's complaint to Aarogya Setu app

When questioned about the issues, both the central and state health ministers shifted responsibility to each other.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan told mid-day, "The Aarogya Setu app is created by the central government but you have to talk with Rajesh Tope. He will give you the answer and suggestions."

State's Health Minister Tope, on the other hand, said, "Speak to Dr Harsh Vardhan, he will have the answer and meet me at Mantralaya, I shall give you the answer."

May
Month in 2020 Machhar tested COVID positive