Sindh govt launches tele-counselling service to help Covid-19 patients

Helpline (1093) has been launched with the support of UNICEF and UNDP

KARACHI: The Sindh government has launched a tele-counselling service for the confirmed and suspected Covid-19 patients to help them cope with the psychological impact of coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement on Saturday, Sindh Local Bodies Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said the helpline (1093) has been launched by his department with the support of UNICEF and UNDP.

He said 25 psychiatrists and psychological experts have been hired to provide counselling to people facing mental health challenges while living in self-isolation or at quarantine centers.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said it is the duty of the government to help the sensitive people ward off their fears and anxiety during the treatment of the deadly virus.



He said through this service coronavirus patients can also make request for anything from the government.

The chief minister said the service will help around 100,000 people and can be accessed through its official website and mobile application.

According to mental health experts, the stress caused by coronavirus pandemic can lead to the manifestation of anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and phobias.

They also believe that genetically inclined people to anxiety may be at higher risk than the general population.