The ongoing Covid lockdown has made getting hold of a doctor for general and seasonal health problems difficult.

Most doctor chambers at pharmacies, clinics and even hospital OPDs are shut for social distancing. Larger hospitals are busy handling Covid-19 cases.

To address this, Ranchi organisation Citizen Foundation has started an initiative called “Hello Doctor” that offers people free over-the-phone consultations with doctors.

A team of six MBBS and one BHMS/Ayurveda doctor has been formed to address patients over the phone.

Dr M.N. Sinha can be contacted at 9431909836, Dr Amar Jyoti Bihari at 9534440707, Dr Rana Pratap Singh at 9934126165, Dr Mahendra Prasad at 9661276111/9431191555, Dr Rajesh Kumar Sinha at 9771606957, Dr Akhilesh at 6205988684 and Dr Manas (BHMS) at 8777470249/8014403280.

Patients can call up the doctors between 10am and noon, and between 3pm and 6pm for medical advice and consultation.

Dr. M.N. Sinha, one of the doctors in the team of Hello Doctor, said this was a “virtual OPD”. “People cannot go out and should not go out at a time like this. It is not only for citizens of Ranchi but also for others as well. Many may undergo health problems that they don't understand and yet they can’t go to a doctor. So, it is our duty to help people voluntarily,” Dr Sinha said, adding that they would suggest medicine names over the phone to patients who need it.

The Citizens’ Foundation is also helping people to effectively curb the spread of coronavirus by demarcating community kitchens, haat bazaars and food serving stations across the city with permanent distemper markings separated by a 1 metre distance, and reaching out to people on simple safety and health initiatives on social media.

Ganesh Reddy, secretary, Citizens Foundation, said the “Hello Doctor” move was needed now. “The idea right now is to have social distancing everywhere so that people who have no means to go out to consult the doctor can avail this free service. I am thankful to all the doctors who have pitched in,” Reddy said.

Other doctors in Ranchi have also voluntarily come up to serve people in their own way. A senior general physician, Dr L.P. Sah is treating his patients free of cost and also gives them masks.