COVID Management In Odisha: 1929 24×7 Call Centre Facility A Huge Hit

Bhubaneswar: Sheer numbers are proving that 1929 24×7 call centre is indeed playing a significant role in ensuring better COVID-19 management within Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) limits.

Both outbound and inbound calls have surpassed the 50K mark by May 20.

The call centre handled 51,351 incoming calls from COVID-affected and related persons, while the executives made 50,414 calls to patients in home isolation to keep track of their health status.

The call centre executives also helped 14,127 callers to get doctor’s consultation as many sought medical advice from the team of 19 doctors available in three different shifts.

Apart from doctors, 48 executives are working in three shifts in different groups to handle incoming and outgoing calls at the facility, which functions at the Bhubaneswar Operations Centre of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited’s office in BMC-Bhawani Mall, Saheed Nagar.

The first shift operates from 6 am to 2 pm, second shift between 2 pm and 10 pm, while the third one between 10 pm and 6 am the next morning.

Of the 35 work stations at the facility, 15 are used for incoming calls and 5 for outgoing ones, 8 are used by doctors to give their advice and 4 are earmarked to take registration bookings for vaccination and testing of 60+ age groups.

A senior citizen can pre-book an appointment for doorstep testing or pick-up and drop vaccination centre near their localities.

“Steps are on in order to ensure minimal call drops and the call centre will try to help all who are calling 1929 for help,’’ BMC Commissioner and CEO Smart City Sanjay Kumar Singh said.