Government launches WhatsApp helpline to provide Covid-19 info
The official government WhatsApp number for the service is 10678380056
The Directorate General of Health Services, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the ICT division has launched a WhatsApp-based helpline for delivering health-related accurate information to citizens.
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak inaugurated the service via an online press meet and announced 10678380056 as the official government WhatsApp number for the service.
The official WhatsApp-based helpline service provides the status of coronavirus in the country. It also includes information on prevention, symptoms, treatment options, risks, travel advisories, government helpline numbers, and other services.
"This is a service which will provide accurate information about the pandemic which is very important at this moment because of the flood of information from every possible source. People should rely on the information they get through this number," Palak said at the event.
He said, currently the WhatsApp helpline does not provide real-time information, but the government is working on it.
"We are trying to make this an integrated service by connecting other government-led platforms to tackle the Covid-19 crisis," he said.
High government officials from the DGHS and health ministry were also present at the event.
