Consulting docs to be easy in Odisha by dialing 104 helpline number

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to improve healthcare services in Odisha, government is considering to make the existing helpline number more functional providing quick medical services with free doctor consultation.

The helpline number 104, which was launched by Health department on Oct 13, 2015, is currently operated by a private firm to provide services especially to the pregnant women under Janani Surksha Yojana.

The department is now making efforts allow the people to make phone calls to this number for getting free consultation.

Recently, a survey had been conducted by Unicef after launch of the call centre in four districts including Kandhamal, Malkangiri and Koraput. The services through the call centre have been provided to 85% women so far in the districts.

There are certain issues relating to transport and road connectivity that we need to sort out. The call centre will be updated to provide 24-hour services on 104 helpline number. People in the rural belt of the state can get benefits by consulting doctors over phone, sources in the National Health Mission said.

Reports said that two specialists will be appointed at the call centre who can provide free advises to the patients on the helpline.
Currently, the call centre is functional from 9 am to 6 pm. The government is planning to increase the number of employees in the call centre from 10 to 20.

Notably, the call centre under the Janani Suraksha Yojana lays emphasis on fooding, medicines, blood, transport, diagnosis and free health services. The patient is asked about these six things on 104 helpline number.