Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 31 2010:
Helpline service number 1097 for counselling on HIV/ AIDS is receiving calls between 400 to 480 a day, claimed the Meetei Leirol Shinai Shang (MLSS) today revealing the increasing concern on the disease among the people in the state.
During a discussion session organised by the MLSS at State Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak today, the project coordinator of the MLSS, AC Nganthoi said that the helpline service is being providing by two centres in Imphal east and west districts and phone calls at 1097 are attended by the counsellor counselling on HIV/AIDS.
The two cells are receiving phone calls from 400 to 480 a day from people inquiring about the dreaded disease.
This number can be dialled free of cost from both subscribers of BSNL landlines and BSNL cell phones.
So far no free call facilities are provided to other mobile phone service providers, she added.
Counseling to people who do not wish to identify themselves but are concerned of the disease on this helpline service has been provided since it was opened
in 2003 .
The counselling was provided through a computerized system in the first three years but now phone calls are directly attended by the counsellors of the MLSS speaking directly to the person seeking counselling.
As the helpline is attended by a woman counsellor, sometimes people dial an acts of perversion.
Out of the 400 to 480 calls received on an average, 20 of them are lewd and pervert.
The MLSS has requested private mobile phone service operators in the state like Airtel, Aircel and Vodafone to provide free call service to the helpline but the providers are yet to respond.
Helpline services will also be provided at the centre opening in Churachandpur, Thoubal and Moreh by other NGOs based in the said places to give counselling to the people who wanted to know more about the disease, coordinator, Nganthoi went on to say.
Speaking further at the discussion, she further stressed the need for government offices and NGOs working in the field of HIV/AIDs to avail the facilities which can be benefited by the people living with the disease.
The discussion session was facilitated by the Umajit Leishangthem of Manipur AIDS Control Society.