Centre launches Aarogya Setu 2.0 digital health platform on June 29

The Union Government is launching Aarogya Setu 2.0 on June 29, 2026, marking a significant expansion of India's digital health infrastructure. Originally developed as a contact-tracing application during the COVID-19 pandemic, the upgraded version will function as a Personal Health Record (PHR) application, enabling citizens to maintain and manage their health data digitally.

Background & Context: Aarogya Setu became one of the world's most downloaded apps during the pandemic, demonstrating the government's capacity to rapidly deploy digital solutions. The transition to PHR reflects India's broader National Digital Health Mission objectives and alignment with global health informatics standards.

Key Facts: The new version will expand access to healthcare services by allowing citizens to maintain consolidated health records, facilitate telemedicine consultations, and enable interoperability with healthcare providers. The government explicitly stated it will leverage the "trust and reach" established during the pandemic.

Why It Matters: This represents India's push toward Universal Health Coverage and digital governance. It addresses fragmented health data challenges and could improve healthcare delivery in rural areas through digital infrastructure.

Exam Angle: Questions likely on: (1) Digital health governance initiatives; (2) Health infrastructure modernization; (3) Government digital platforms post-pandemic; (4) Public health policy evolution; (5) Technology adoption in healthcare delivery. Connects to previous UPSC questions on e-governance and health schemes.