Helpline launched in Trichy for doorstep jab, RT-PCR test

Trichy: Trichy Corporation has launched a helpline service for residents to request doorstep swab collection for RT-PCR testing and vaccination against Covid-19 for free. The helpline will resolve the queries of local people who have Covid-19 symptoms. The requests will be directed to the nearest urban primary health centre (UPHC), and health workers will collect swabs or vaccinate the beneficiary within three hours.

The helpline number 63852-69208 will be active between 9.30 am and 4 pm to place the requests on all days except Sundays. Qualified health professionals in the main office of Trichy Corporation will attend the calls, and people seeking vaccination and swab collection at their doorstep will be asked to furnish the details of the nearest UPHC. The helpline will convey the demand to the UPHC staff. Nurses will visit the house of the resident to resolve the demand. If the location of the beneficiary is remote, the corporation will provide a vehicle for the health workers to reach the spot. “The demand for booster doses will increase within a week. The doorstep programme would encourage people who skipped the second dose and help those with disabilities get vaccinated,” a health official with Trichy Corporation said.

All the 18 UPHCs in the city will be involved in the initiative. After closing the request, the health workers who go for the doorstep service will document the details online. Trichy Corporation has vaccinated 96% of the eligible population with the first dose, while 79% of the eligible group has received two doses as on June 20. As the coverage of the second dose in the city was even lower than that of the average coverage of the district, it is expected that people will make use of the easier mode. “The opening day (Tuesday) saw 30 calls, of which more were for vaccination. Some people sought information about taking booster doses before going for a surgery. The demand for RT-PCR tests was almost nil,” the official added.