COVID-19 Coverage: Centre Issues Advisory For Private TV Channels

New Delhi: The Union government has sought help from private television channels to spread awareness about the coronavirus disease.

In an advisory issued on Sunday, the Centre has asked TV channels to display four national level helpline numbers to create awareness about COVID treatment protocol, COVID-appropriate behaviour and vaccination.

Though the daily COVID-19 cases have been decreasing, it is still high, the government observed.

“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 citizens were also created and propagated by the government,” the government advisory stated.

“In order to further this cause, the private TV channels are advised to promote awareness of the following 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 added.

The four helpline numbers are:

1075 — National Helpline No. of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

1098 — Child Helpline No. of Ministry of Women & Child Development

14567 — Senior Citizens Helpline of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

08046110007 — Helpline No. of NIMHANS for psychological support.