Google Shows Vaccine Centers, Hospital Beds & Oxygen Info in India

Google Mobilizes Resources to Aid India's Pandemic Response

Google, with a reach exceeding 500 million individuals in India, is adapting its services to assist the nation in combating the ongoing pandemic.

Updates to Key Google Services

On Monday, Google announced the implementation of several updates across its Search, Maps, YouTube, and Google Pay platforms in India.

These enhancements are designed to prominently display and amplify trustworthy, verified information regarding the coronavirus, aiding citizens in locating vaccination centers and accessing vital resources during this crisis.

Enhanced Search and Maps Functionality

Google Search, which has been providing virus-related updates for over a year, now features information panels detailing vaccine registration procedures within India.

It also prioritizes the official Indian government website dedicated to vaccine information at the top of search results.

Previously displaying 2,500 testing centers, Search and Maps now also indicate the locations of over 23,000 vaccination centers nationwide.

This information is available in both English and eight different Indian languages, sourced in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

New Features in Google Maps

Google, recognizing India as its largest user base globally, is currently piloting a question-and-answer feature within Google Maps.

This feature will allow users to inquire about and share localized details concerning the availability of hospital beds and medical oxygen in select areas.

Context of the Crisis

These new features are being launched as India reports over 350,000 new infections and more than 3,500 deaths daily.

The country’s healthcare system is severely strained, facing critical shortages of beds and essential medical supplies.

The expansion of vaccination eligibility to individuals aged 18-45 on May 1st resulted in widespread difficulties as people attempted to register on the government website and secure appointments.

Community and Corporate Response

Numerous companies, startups, entrepreneurs, and investors have stepped forward to address these challenges.

Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp have become crucial channels for real-time information exchange and support.

Expanding Health Information Reach

Google is leveraging its various platforms to broaden the reach of public health campaigns in India.

This includes the “Get the Facts” campaign, which aims to encourage reliance on authoritative sources for vaccine information.

Important safety messages are also being disseminated through promotions on the Google homepage, Doodles, and reminders within its applications.

YouTube and Google Pay Initiatives

YouTube now features curated playlists containing videos offering reliable information about vaccines, virus transmission, and expert insights.

A COVID Aid campaign has been launched on Google Pay, enabling users to donate to nonprofit organizations like GiveIndia, Charities Aid Foundation, Goonj, Save the Children, Seeds, UNICEF India, and United Way.

Fundraising Efforts

Similar campaigns supporting various foundations have collectively raised over $4.6 million.

Google's Commitment

“As India battles this devastating wave, we’ll keep doing all we can to support the selfless individuals and committed organizations on the front lines of the response.

There’s a long way to go — but standing together in solidarity, working together with determination, we can and will turn the tide,” stated a blog post from the Google India COVID response team.