Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday launched a health chatbot aimed at improving accessibility, transparency, and efficiency of healthcare services for citizens. The initiative, inaugurated by the State Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, reflects the civic body’s ongoing efforts to integrate technology into healthcare delivery, particularly for time-sensitive and emergency services.
The chatbot provides verified health information covering disease awareness, preventive care, public health campaigns, and the locations of nearby hospitals and clinics. Citizens can access the service via the dedicated mobile number 9892993368, enabling quick and reliable guidance on health-related queries. “This tool is designed to ensure that residents have timely and trustworthy information at their fingertips,” a senior civic official said. BMC Commissioner and Administrator highlighted the system’s role in improving citizen convenience. “Digital platforms like this not only reduce waiting times at hospitals but also provide critical information during emergencies,” the official noted. By bridging gaps in health information access, the chatbot aligns with broader goals of equitable and inclusive civic services.
Beyond information provision, the chatbot supports various online healthcare services. Citizens can register for OPD appointments, request health certificates, apply for licences related to health establishments, and access birth, death, marriage, and disability documentation. The digital platform also facilitates registration for maternity home services, aiming to streamline procedures that traditionally involved long queues and paperwork. “Integrating these services online is part of BMC’s strategy to make public healthcare more citizen-centric, efficient, and sustainable,” an urban technology expert explained. The initiative is also expected to enhance transparency by providing consistent, verified updates on civic health programmes. With Mumbai facing increasing urban pressures and growing demand for accessible health services, technological interventions such as this chatbot can play a pivotal role in improving efficiency and accountability in the public healthcare system.
Experts observed that such digital tools could reduce disparities in healthcare access, especially for residents in peripheral or densely populated areas. The chatbot also reflects the BMC’s commitment to sustainable urban governance, where technology is leveraged to improve quality of life while reducing resource strain on physical infrastructure. The launch underscores a growing trend of smart-city initiatives in Mumbai, combining public health, technology, and citizen engagement. While the immediate focus is on information dissemination and service efficiency, officials indicated plans to further expand the chatbot’s capabilities, integrating AI-driven diagnostics and real-time alerts in the near future.
As digital public healthcare continues to evolve, tools like the BMC health chatbot represent a meaningful step towards more inclusive, transparent, and responsive urban health systems.
BMC Launches Digital Health Chatbot To Enhance Public Access And Service Transparency
