Get immediate assistance on health problems just by dialling '104'

NewsBharati 23-Jan-2018

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New Delhi, January 23: ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is an apt saying for all of us. In order to take proper care and precaution from uncessary health issues, the Health Department has issued a toll free number '104' so that people would get personal assistance from medical professionals by just one SMS.

A free medical consultation helpline (HIHL—Health Information Helpline), with the prescription of a doctor sent across through SMS apart from other allied medical services will be introduced across all the States. Similar to the ambulance services where we dial 108 and get access to the ambulance immediately, helpline number for medical consultation will be 104.

To begin with, equipment to handle 100 calls at a time will be installed and if needed, will be expanded to 300 calls. On receipt of a call, the phone attendant will note down the details and then obtain medical advice from a panel of doctors and forward it to the caller through SMS facility.

The service will be provided consulting with the Health Department and the call center will work in three shifts round the clock and assistance will be available on all days of the year. Information will be provided on the availability of blood in the nearest blood bank of the caller and counseling services. People can provide information on the prevalence of new infections, apart from floods and other natural disasters.

Giving this facility to the masses is like an added advantage as people can take immediate action if the person is in need.

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