Chennai: It is just three days since the launch of the health helpline number 104, but the service is already flooded with calls. On the first day on Thursday, 3,575 calls were received, of which 693 people utilised the service.
Under the Tamil Nadu health systems project, the number has been on a trial run for nearly two months. Handled by GVK-EMRI (Emergency Management and Research Institute) that also runs the 108 ambulance service, the health helpline has three components - information, advice and complaints.
“Even during our trial run, we received 40 calls on an average, every day. Those who need health-related advice can seek information. We give callÂers unique registration numÂbers so that they need not explain their medical history every time they make calls.
The registration officer first takes vital information and after that the calls are transferred, according to the requirement of the person,” explains B. PrabÂhuÂdoss, regional manager for GVK-EMRI, adding that on Friday, more than 8,000 calls were made, of which 1,795 were effective.
From knowing the nearest blood bank, government hospitals to eye donation and blood testing centres, callers can get all the required information with the help of the service. “As it is newly launched, some people do call to check the service.
Anybody can seek advice relating to illness, treatment, medicine, etc. We also have counsellors who counsel for psychiatric and psychological problems like depression, inferiority complex and suicidal tendency,” said Prabhudoss.
Apart from two medical officers of 104, there are five more people from various government institutions. In case of a complaint, one can give his/her feedback, suggestion or any complaint that is taken to the officers concerned. At present, the service runs with 30 staff members, and based on utilisation, call handling capacity and infrastructure will be enhanced, the regional manager said.
