Dr. Avnish Jolly, 20th August, 2008 :According to K.L.Khanna, Joint Director (R.E.T & Spl Prog), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS). , India, established Call Centre for information on health in association with Jansankhya Sthirtha Kosh (JSK) Dial +91- 11- 66665555. One can make an immense use of it for adolescent development and youth development programmes of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS).
As the website of JSK states: http://jsk.gov.in The Call centre is expected to fill a huge gap in information that medical experts have found exists in communicating with adolescents, about-to-be-married and newly married couples as well as people of all ages seeking reassurance before they visit a doctor. People are initially shy about visiting medical facilities and need guidance to address concerns like contraception, safe abortion, emergency contraception, sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive tract infections,. New parents face numerous doubts about new born and infant care. The subjects covered by the Call Centre include:
• Reproductive System in Males and Females;
• Puberty;
• Reproductive Health Concerns in Females and Males;
• Breast related Problems;
• Sexually Transmitted Infections including HIV/AIDS;
• Contraception;
• Pregnancy;
• Infertility;
• Sexual Health;
• Abortion;
• Menopause;
• Infant Health (Pre School)
Again, as the Website of JSK informs: the Call centre has full scientific replies to about 550 questions on Reproductive and Child health http://jsk.gov.in
Prominent doctors belonging to prestigious medical institutions of the country have prepared these answers.
The divide existing between the informed and uninformed which is increasing. SO the need of the hour is to fill the gap by involving all possible role player. Media and Civil Societies are the major players, who can do their bit. This kind of Call Centre service is towards reducing this gap. More efforts to publicising the call centre number will definitely help in reducing the gap at a faster pace.
So do your bit
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