The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Sindh has launched a community medical assistance services named "COVID-19 AGAAHI Medical Helpline" on Saturday, with Coordination and Cooperation of Governor of Sindh and President of Pakistan at Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) of Provincial Headquarters Sindh Hilal-e -Ahmer House Karachi.
According to a press release, the Sindh Branch of PRCS and its 24/7 helpline call centre will provide accurate and authentic information about the Coronavirus pandemic. The centre has about 1000 Medical Doctors available online and the callers may discuss directly to the doctor about problems related to coronavirus pandemic. This facility is managed through software with data collection. This system will help in reducing anxiety and panic amongst people sitting at home and, at the same time, gain their confidence. Red Crescent has announced the number 021-37130084 and initially established the availability of 10 lines for 24 hours.
The President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi has highly appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Red Crescent and its Aagahi volunteers for providing useful information about the corona pandemic. In his twitter message, Dr Alvi advised the corona infection suspects and the general public to utilize the "Aagahi" helpline and get accurate information about symptoms, quarantine, isolation and medical assistance from qualified medical doctors.
The Chairperson of PRCS-Sindh Shahnaz S Hamid said that Red Crescent is the largest humanitarian organization and its management, staff and volunteers are fully mobilized and alert. She said that 24 hours helpline is a huge relief to people from all walks of life as people in any critical situation must get necessary information from a quick and reliable source. PRCS-Sindh also supports national efforts to fight the Coronavirus outbreak. She further said that PRCS Sindh is ready to deploy water plants at Quarantine Centre Gaddap Town and Field Isolation Facility, Expo Centre to support the district authorities for the provision of safe drinking water to patients and paramedical staff. -PR