Govt launches coronavirus helpline on WhatsApp

In the light of coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan Ministry of Health has launched Corona Helpline on WhatsApp to address common concerns related to COVID-19.

The Pakistan Government Corona WhatsApp Helpline is an automated ‘chatbot’ service that enables citizens to get answers to the most common queries about Coronavirus from the Ministry of Health 24 hours a day.

 

Federal Govt launches #WhatsappHelpline in 7 languages to ensure dissemination of necessary information regarding #coronavirus https://t.co/O6VqvZXGyu #COVID19Pakistan#PakistanFightsCorona #TogetherWeCan#CoronavirusPandemic #CoronaHelpline

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) March 31, 2020

The free-to-use bilingual chatbot aims to provide Pakistanis with the necessary authentic information related to the COVID-19.

‘Coronaalert’: PTA is sending SMS alerts to people at risk of COVID-19 infection

In order to use the service simply save the number [phone] in your phone contacts and then text any word in a WhatsApp message to get started.

"During this challenging time it is vitally important that people get accurate, timely and official answers to questions they have about COVID-19 and its impact on their families and communities,” stated Dr Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Health.

Pakistan launches bilingual chatbot to address coronavirus concerns

“At difficult times like these, people use WhatsApp more than ever to connect with and support their friends, family, and communities. We are pleased to be able to provide the Pakistan Ministry of National Health Services with the communications tools to help them respond to citizens’ questions about the virus with reliable, timely health advice, in order to keep people safe,” said Matt Idema, COO of WhatsApp.

The Helpline has been built on the WhatsApp Business API, in collaboration with the Digital Pakistan team and Infobip’s global communication platform to provide authentic information to people about COVID-19.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on the request of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination (MoNHSRC) is also sending out SMS alerts to people who might have come in contact with COVID-19 affected individuals during traveling or at other places.