The state of TN has been witnessing the second Covid-19 wave now and many are getting affected by this deadly infection once again. In this scenario, TN has started tele counselling centres to provide psychological support services.
On Sunday, 18th April 2021, Ripon Buildings in Chennai was buzzing with activities as GCC inaugurated tele counselling centre. It must be noted that the health department of TN had also launched a similar facility 1 and control room at Amma clinics and government hospitals.
The public could contact these centers through the landline numbers 044 46122300, 044 25384520 and 104 helpline. Now, emphasis is being laid on ensuring counselling for patients and their family members as the Coronavirus cases are on the rise.
According to Mr G. Prakash, Chennai corporation commissioner, in 2020 tele counselling centres were opened and they received more than 4lakh calls. The centres were shut down as the number of cases decreased in Chennai. He mentioned that the centres are reopened now with 130 volunteers. Point is that vaccination would be given to all the volunteers belonging to the corporation.
The above said landline numbers would be functional 24*7 and Chennaites would be able to get clarifications on their doubts regarding vaccination, procedures to get tested and emergency help etc. Mr .Prakash later spoke about how the centres would provide psychological support to the patients under home quarantine and how it would coordinate green corridor operations.
Information is that GCC had re-launched green corridor operations for transporting persons with sudden fever or breathing issues etc to the hospitals in a span of a few minutes. Those who need emergency care could also contact the tele-counselling centre.
It is now brought out that the TN state health department has instructed district deputy directors to ensure counselling locally for the patients at Amma clinics. Addressing queries of patients through the control room helpline would be done.