THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : In a bid to arrest the rising number of Covid deaths among Keralites abroad, the state govt has opened five helpdesks in each of the countries having substantial Malayali population, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Wednesday. The helpdesks have been set up by NORKA with support from local partnership groups and social organisations. Ambassadors of respective countries have been requested for cooperation in this regard, CM said.
Malayalis dying in US from coronavirus has become daily news. The trend is alarming given that expats are left to face a hopless life and death situation. With no one to turn to, they are calling their homes here , seeking to be saved.
Their lives are precious and given the circumstance, the govt will provide them medical services online. They can consult doctors here through audio-video conferencing and address their medical needs. Malayalis residing abroad may register on NORKA website, clarify health-related doubts. Prominent doctors will listen to their case and prescribe treatment required. The services will be available between 2 pm - 6 pm Indian time. The area of consultation would cover surgery, gynecology, ENT, Ortho and General Medicine. These helpdesks can be accessed with guidelines given on NORKA website : https://norkaroots.org/web/guest/covid-services.
Malayalis who have been on jobs abroad for a period not lesser than 6 months have been issued registration and Pravasi Id Card. The card entitles the holder to all services offered by Norka Roots including discounts on tickets on select airlines. The registration facility including Pravasi card will now expand to the Malayali student community too via NORKA Roots. Once registered, the students will also get insurance cover and be provided air tickets for travel home. The registration is open to all Malayali students pursuing courses abroad as also to those aspiring to learn overseas, CM said.
