Google Search in India Now Comes With Health Cards

Google recently introduced its new Health cards as an update to its ‘Search’ feature. The new feature is currently only available in India and has been integrated into the search knowledge graph of Google. As a result, smartphone users across India now have access to faster and easier searches regarding health information through their search screen directly. These new health cards are said to be equipped with images of the disease as well as information regarding its symptoms, preventive measures and other high quality illustrations released by licensed medical illustrators. As of this writing, the health cards contain information of more than 400 health conditions such as Lung cancer, Malaria, Dengue fever and many more. The health cards are available in both English and Hindi language.

While Google just made the announcement, India isn’t the first country to have access to the new Health cards. As a matter of fact, India is already the third country to get Health cards following the US and Brazil. Considering there are still a number of people in the country that use 2G networks, Google will be offering a ‘Lite’ version of the service. Through this service, individuals can quickly be provided with information about a certain disease and health issue through their smartphone. Each health card will contain the disease’s symptoms, harmful effects, and whether or not it is considered as a critical or contagious disease. Google’s new Health cards may be accessed across devices and desktops running on Android and iOS operating systems. The information may also be downloaded as a PDF and shared with friends and family members.

Google has collaborated with Apollo Hospitals and Columbia Asia Hospitals for access to its content. During its announcement, Google referenced to the fact that one in every 20 search related queries had to do with health and medical conditions. While the new feature serves as a faster way people can access healthcare information, Google points out that it should not be taken as medical advice. The feature was created by Google only to provide consumers and healthcare professionals easy access to information regarding their health. The search engine giant hopes it could help convince more skeptical patients to finally see a doctor for any health concerns.