MyGov and Ministry of Health, worked with WhatsApp to ensure a stream of accurate health information related to Covid-19. The MyGov Corona Helpdesk raises awareness and makes it easy for people to get answers about the ongoing pandemic.
To contact the helpline, citizens should save the WhatsApp number in their phone, and then start a chat by typing “Hi” and sending it to the number, which will prompt them to either type in a query or choose from a list of frequently asked questions. Depending on the question, users will receive verified information in the form of a video, infographic or text. This service will act as a great resource for people to have access to updated information on the pandemic. This combined effort by The Ministry of Health, MyGov and WhatsApp will help contribute to the safety and wellbeing of the Indian people.
“Access to credible sources of information is critical to battling Corona virus and is our top priority. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Ministry of Health and MyGov on this initiative. We encourage users across the country to depend on verified sources for any information during this period” said Abhijit Bose, Head of India for WhatsApp
In addition to the MyGov helpline, users can reach out to the fact-checking community, whose details can be found on our recently launched WhatsApp Corona virus Information hub. People can also receive health alerts by messaging WHO on the Health Alert line available at whatsapp.com/coronavirus. This is another step of many that WhatsApp has taken during the last week to engage directly with various governments and global institutions around the world for people to request for information and address their queries on corona virus over WhatsApp.
Vice President and Managing Director of Facebook India, Ajit Mohan also commented, “Technology can play a very vital role in India’s efforts against the outbreak. This unique collaboration with the government across multiple ministries is a strong beginning. And, as a company, we stand ready to help the country in any way we can to support the fight against the spread of the corona virus.“
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