As part of strengthening public health services, Kerala government today launched a novel scheme 'Dial a doctor' which will enable the public to seek health-related advice over phone round-the-clock from doctors by dialling a toll-free number.
Inaugurating the project, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the facility is a major step in the health sector.
Under the programme, a person can dial 1056 and avail the advice of doctors especially regarding first aid, vaccination and health problems. The service is being made available through the department's call centre, Disha, which can be accessed through the phone number.
A selected panel of 74 doctors from various specialities have been set up to help the Health Department deliver the service. At least eight doctors will be available online at a time.
As this is the examination season, a separate panel of 10 psychologists will answer calls from children on dealing with exam-related stress and on their other concerns.
The calls will be handled by 21-trained counsellors who will route the calls to the doctors judiciously.
The project is being managed by the National Health Mission, with technical support from Technopark-based firm OrisysIndia Consultancy Services.
