Here’s how you can use Gurugram WhatsApp COVID-19 helpline

New Delhi: On Thursday, the Gurugram district administration launched a dedicated WhatsApp Covid-19 helpline to provide citizens access to critical information and a central repository of all Coronavirus resources.

The newly launched service provides updated information about critical resources in the user`s proximity such as RT-PCR centres and camps, online doctor consultations, status of availability of beds, registering oneself as a Covid-19 patient, care centres and more. The helpline is free to use and is available in Hindi and English.

Here’s how you can use the WhatsApp Covid helpline

1. Citizens can send `Hi` to the number +91 9643277788 on WhatsApp
2. They can also click on https://wa.me/919643277788 to directly connect to the helpline.
3. You will now have to select your preferred language, which can be either Hindi or English, according to the options provided. 
4. You can then select the help that you’re seeking. Option 1 is for Covid-19 positive patients, Option 2 is for people who are looking for services for Covid-19 positive patients and Option 3 is the general option to search for the services. 

"This is a service for our citizens in Gurugram. Using this Covid patients and their families can reach out to us for help. We will try and provide the best possible care at home. I also thank partners like WhatsApp for stepping forward and supporting us in building this platform. Any organisation that wants to use this to deliver care to our citizens are most welcome to join us," said Yash Garg, Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson, District Disaster Management, Gurugram, Government of Haryana, in a statement.

The helpline has been developed by a group of volunteers, private sector organisations and with the support of various departments within the Gurugram district administration. It is an integrated offering built on the WhatsApp Business API and will directly connect citizens to official and verified sources of information and medical services, thus enabling quick access and helping the administration streamline its relief efforts.

"We remain committed towards ensuring that people have access to verified sources of information through our platform. We are thankful to the Govt. of Haryana and the District Administration of Gurugram for giving us the opportunity to support their efforts. We encourage people to access the helpline for latest Covid-19 related information in their city", said Abhijit Bose, Head of India for WhatsApp, in the statement.

The helpline also has services of MyUpchar, Meddo and Dunzo integrated for the benefit of users. It has been developed by Infobip and Day Technologies are the technology providers, and is enabled by WhatsApp. The initiative has also been supported by The Dialogue and Deepstrat who are providing critical support to DC Gurugram in triaging citizen requests.