Private docs, paramedics in Srinagar volunteer services

Army’s NC sets up helplines

SRINAGAR: The Srinagar district administration on Tuesday received an overwhelming response to its appeal to doctors and paramedics in private sector to volunteer their services in the fight against coronavirus.
"I can't believe this! 36 mails in 5 minutes. Confident #Kashmir against #COVID. Please send Name, Age, Qualification, Mobile, Address, Accommodation needed(Yes/No), any special requirement. we will get in touch by evening. Love you all," Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary tweeted.
He had put out another tweet some time earlier asking if there were any volunteer doctors and paramedics from private sector willing to aid government efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Non-Govt Doctors and Paramedics who may wish to volunteer for community services along with our outstanding doc colleagues in pry healthcare & surveillance may join District Disaster Management Authority," Chaudhary had tweeted.
The district disaster management authority headed by the deputy commissioner has promised to provide vehicles, personal protection equipment, security, accommodation, food and other logistics to the volunteers.
"This is just to extend a helping hand to our doctors already in field," Chaudhary said.
Meanwhile, as part of its effort to generate awareness among the people about coronavirus, Army's Northern Command Tuesday established several telephone helplines across the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, a defence spokesman said.
The helplines have been activated at nearly a dozen places in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions and four places in Ladakh in order to help the 'awaam' (people) to manage stresses related to COVID-19 and to provide immediate relief to those seeking advice, the spokesman said.
He said the helplines would be active 24x7 to address general questions and concerns regarding the prevention of COVID-19.
With the spread of novel coronavirus, there is a sense of uncertainty among the population, as many are not sure what measures to take to safeguard themselves and their family. There have been a series of fake social media uploads creating panic among people, the spokesman said, highlighting the need for helplines.
To this effect, he said the Army has been undertaking intense awareness campaigns updating the public with all relevant information during this pandemic through various platforms.
These initiatives are meant to ensure that individuals do not become unwitting carriers of the virus and are well informed about various preventive measures to be adopted, he said.
He said these helplines are a critical resource for the 'awaam' and would ensure addressing the questions of concerned residents and providing the most up-to-date information resources.
While Srinagar residents can reach out for help on 0194-2467326, the residents of other districts can seek assistance through helplines at Baramulla (0195-2238826), Kupwara (0195-5252996), Shalateng (0194-2496618), Awantipura (0193-3247087), Nagrota (0191 254 7896), Akhnoor (0192 425 4244), Rajouri (0196 226 2477), Batote (0199 824 4361), Palma (0196 226 1503), Reasi (0199 124 5319) and Narian (0196 023 0026).
The helpline numbers for the UT of Ladakh are Leh (01982- 259011), Karu (01982- 249078),Kumbathang (01935- 278113) and Partapur(01980- 221013), he said.
A 'humsaya' (neighbor) to the 'awaam' in good times and through any challenge, the Indian Army has yet again extended succour to the populace by providing access to prompt information and help through these helplines. The joint efforts of all stakeholders in the national fight against Coronavirus disease will ensure that the Jawan & Awaam remains safe and healthy, he said.