The Ministry of Information and Broadcast today issued an advisory for private television news channels, asking them to help the government spread awareness about the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic by displaying four national level helpline numbers. In its advisory, the Centre said it wants to create awareness about Covid treatment protocol, Covid-appropriate behaviour and vaccination.
The Centre in the advisory noted that though the number of daily Covid-19 cases are witnessing a downward trend, it is still high.
"Over the last several months, the government has created awareness through various instrumentalities and media platforms, including print, TV, radio, social media, etc for creating awareness. National helpline numbers for the benefit of the citizens were also created and propagated by the government," the advisory said.
The four helpline numbers given by the government are: 1075 (National Helpline no. of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), 1098 (Child Helpline No. of the Ministry of Women and Child Development), (14567 Senior Citizens Helpline of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) and 08046110007 (Helpline No. of NIMHANS for psychological support).
"In order to further this cause, the private TV channels are advised to promote awareness of the four national level helpline numbers by way of a ticker or such appropriate ways as they may consider at periodical intervals, especially during prime time," it further added.
In March, PM Modi had held an interaction with the electronic media where he had asked television channels to spread scientific reports, involve informed people in their discussions and counter the spread of misinformation and highlight the importance of social distancing in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
