In Development

Dear Akka

"A sister who knows what to ask"

Dear Akka is a clinically validated women's health companion being developed by Sundaram Medical Foundation and CAN-STOP. Designed to guide women through symptom assessments for seven key health conditions in English and Tamil — bringing expert-backed health guidance directly to communities across Tamil Nadu, with personalised risk evaluations and professional referral pathways.

Dear Akka Helpline · 044 3569 3070

Dear Akka mascot — a healthcare worker with a jasmine flower, representing warmth and trust

Developed by

🏥

Sundaram Medical Foundation

Content Research & Chatbot Development, Clinical oversight & validation and institutional backing

🎗

CAN-STOP

Cancer · Support · Therapy — Community outreach programme · canstop.org ↗

Health Conditions

Languages

24/7

Helpline Available

100%

Clinically Validated

How It Will Work

Choose Language

Women select their preferred language — English or Tamil — ensuring every conversation feels natural and comfortable.

Select a Health Topic

Choose from seven women's health conditions for a focused, relevant assessment session.

Answer Simple Yes / No Questions

Guided symptom questions — each paired with educational responses that build health literacy as you go.

Receive a Personalised Assessment

A risk-level evaluation with a clear action plan and recommended timeline for care.

Connect to the Dear Akka Helpline

Seamless handoff to the dedicated Dear Akka Helpline (044 3569 3070) for follow-up guidance from CANSTOP's medical social workers or to book appointments.

Health Conditions Covered

🎗 Breast Cancer

🎀 Cervical Cancer

🌸 Ovarian Cancer

🔄 PCOS

💧 UTI

🌺 Menopause

🦋 Thyroid & Anaemia

Who Is It For

Primary audience

Women aged 18–65 across Tamil Nadu seeking accessible, stigma-free health guidance in English and Tamil — especially in areas where reaching a specialist is a challenge.

Secondary audience

Community health workers, Anganwadi staff and ASHA workers using Dear Akka as an outreach and health-awareness tool in their communities.

Social Impact Goals

Break cultural barriers around women's health conversations in Tamil Nadu
Promote early detection of preventable and treatable conditions
Reduce healthcare access gaps in rural and peri-urban communities
Bridge language barriers and improve health literacy in Tamil
Connect underserved women to professional care via SMF's Gynaecology specialists

Dear Akka Helpline

Women's Health Guidance

044 3569 3070

For symptom guidance, health queries & appointments related to women's health

Speak with our team to book an appointment with the doctor regarding any of the 7 conditions or speak to our CANSTOP medical workers for guidance in English or Tamil — available now, while the digital companion is being developed.

Call the Helpline →

அ Why "Akka"?

அக்கா — Akka means elder sister in Tamil. She is a figure of trust, warmth, wisdom and unconditional care. Dear Akka embodies exactly this: approachable, non-judgmental, and always ready to listen. The mascot — a healthcare worker with a jasmine flower — reflects warmth and deep cultural resonance with Tamil Nadu's women.

✓ Clinically Validated

All symptom questions and risk-assessment logic are reviewed and approved by SMF's Gynaecology specialists. Dear Akka delivers evidence-based educational content and appropriate referral guidance — not a replacement for professional care.

⏳ Currently in Development

The Dear Akka digital health companion is actively being built by the SMF & CAN-STOP technology team.It is not yet live for public use. In the meantime, the dedicated 044 3569 3070 helpline is available for women's health queries and guidance.