1075 phone helpline launched to address rural issues in vaccine booking

National Health Authority chief RS Sharma informed that people can now dial the helpline at 1075 to book a slot for COVID vaccination. The move comes following allegations that the online service to book vaccines which is presently in place, is disregarding the situation of rural India without internet and smartphone access.

"To ensure that the system is inclusive, we have opened 1075 helpline number where one can call and book appointments for Covid vaccine," Sharma said.

"This gives people confidence that the system is not giving priority to any particular section," he added.

Sharma added that everyone from the collector to PHC workers would spread awareness about the new initiative.

Another allegation raised against the CoWIN online portal was that the language was only limited to English. However, even when Madhyamam Online called the 1075 helpline, it had only English and Hindi as languages.