Dr Tasnim Jara’s App Delivers Health Advice to Bengali Moms

A new digital health solution is reaching millions of Bengali-speaking users thanks to Dr Tasnim Jara, a young Bangladeshi doctor in the UK. Just two days ago, news emerged that her platform, Shohay Health, is helping Bangladeshi mothers access trusted medical guidance in their own language. Dr Jara began her medical career at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before moving to the UK, where she now works at Cambridge University Hospitals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she noticed how hard it was for many Bengali families to get clear health information in Bangla. This inspired her to create Shohay, a mobile-friendly platform that offers week-by-week pregnancy guidance, mental health tips, and information for new parents. Shohay was first launched as a pregnancy app in 2023 and has since expanded into a full-service health platform. It uses simple visuals and clear language to answer questions like, “What should I eat?” or “Is this symptom normal after birth?” The content is reviewed by local doctors and tailored to community needs, so it feels both trustworthy and close to home. The platform isn’t just for mothers—it now also includes mental health support, chronic illness tips, and general care guidance. “Shohay Apa [Sister Shohay] is like having a friendly, expert sister who cares,” said Dr Jara during a webinar announcing the update just two days ago. This local-language focus addresses a real need. With many rural and urban households where English is a barrier, Shohay is helping to bridge the healthcare information gap. In some areas, users send WhatsApp messages to get answers, making medical knowledge more accessible. The app also serves as a learning platform. Public health students and junior doctors can contribute content and earn experience in writing clear, empathetic health messages. This collaborates well with universities and colleges, helping students grow while improving public health education. Experts believe Shohay and similar platforms are part of a new digital health wave in Bangladesh—where people can get quality health advice without leaving home, reducing pressure on clinics and giving mothers confidence. The recent expansion makes it a real success story in non-political, community-focused healthcare innovation. With Dr Jara’s leadership and her Bangladeshi team’s help, thousands of mothers and families are gaining better access to trusted health information in Bangla. This shows how combining healthcare and technology with community education can make a big difference in people’s lives.