07 September,2026 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani Gabhare
Women can open up about taboo topics while using the chatbot. Pics courtesy/@mynamahila, istock
For many women, finding reliable answers to questions about their health can be difficult, particularly when the subject is sensitive or rarely discussed. Myna Bolo, the WhatsApp chatbot by Govandi-based Myna Mahila Foundation, aims to make such information easier to access, allowing women to ask questions privately and in languages they are familiar with as the responses are developed in consultation with local doctors and medical professionals to ensure the information provided is accurate and relevant.
The chatbot encourages women to discuss health-related concerns with privacy
Divya Mahatme, the platform's communications and design associate elaborates on this recently-launched chatbot, "The chatbot was developed with women from communities that Myna Mahila Foundation has previously worked with and during the conversation, more than 10,000 health-related queries were generated in Marathi, Hindi and English and even during the development process, with Telugu-English subsequently added." These queries then shaped a localised knowledge base, where qualified doctors and medical professionals consulted during development. The responses were tested for accuracy, language comprehension and consistency across languages before the chatbot was made available to users.
Women at the organisation learn how to use and interact with the chatbot in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh
Using WhatsApp means women do not have to download another application. Research manager Aditi Dugapal-Dubey explains, "Users can ask questions ranging from general health concerns, to more sensitive queries around menstrual health, PCOD and PCOS, fertility, pregnancy and vaginal discharge," adding that the nature of questions can vary with age and circumstance. Younger users may ask about periods or PCOS, while middle-aged and older users may seek information around conception, delayed periods or pregnancy-related concerns. The result is a tool shaped by local language and lived experiences, making health information accessible and not overwhelming.
Log on to @mynamahila
The chatbot provides contextual information and, when a concern appears serious, directs users towards professional medical care. For higher-risk medical questions, users can be referred to tele-health support or seek a doctor's appointment. The foundation also has protocols for potentially high-risk situations such as domestic violence, including limiting notifications and providing relevant helpline information where appropriate.
As privacy is central to the platform the user data is encrypted and users can request its deletion. It also acknowledges that WhatsApp accounts may be accessed on shared devices, which can make women worry about family members seeing sensitive conversations. Users can therefore be guided on deleting their chats.
By Shweta Jumde, product associate
>> Menstrual health: Heavy bleeding, irregular periods and period cramps
>> PCOD/PCOS: Symptoms and managing the conditions
>> Fertility: Chances of conception, delayed periods, and what to eat or do when trying to conceive
>> Pregnancy: Everyday questions and concerns during pregnancy
>> Vaginal health: Different types and colours of vaginal discharge
>> General health: Dizziness and concerns around diet, sleep and anaemia
>> Menopause: Questions about perimenopause, menopause and the changes women experience during this stage
Save the Myna Bolo WhatsApp number, 8420093835, on your phone
Open WhatsApp and send "Hi" to the number
Follow the prompts to get started
This is an AI enabled chatbot and offers general advice as a starting point. Do not rely on it for health choices. Readers are advised to consult their doctors as the next step. The information provided should not be regarded as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
