DISHA

Direct Intervention System for Health Awareness (DISHA)-1056, Kerala’s telemedical health helpline, has been a silent force of care and compassion since its launch in March 2013. A joint initiative of the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Department of Health, Government of Kerala, DISHA was conceived to bring trusted health support within everyone’s reach. It proudly holds the title of Kerala’s first 24x7 statewide health helpline, extending its free services not only across the state but also to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. Accessible through the toll-free number 1056 or landline 0471-2552056, DISHA ensures that help is just a call away.

What began as a helpline to support students facing exam stress has now evolved into a full-fledged health service platform. The second phase of its journey began in 2014 with the launch of the “Dial-a-Doctor” service, inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Kerala. Since then, DISHA has been in full swing, steadily becoming a trusted companion for thousands. With over four lakh calls received so far, DISHA continues to be a reliable source of medical and emotional assistance.

At the heart of DISHA is a dedicated team of experienced doctors and professional social workers. These caring experts give quick, correct, and private help to people with physical or mental health problems. Whether it's a parent seeking advice about a child’s nutrition, a young adult coping with anxiety, or a senior citizen managing chronic illness, DISHA is prepared to respond with empathy and expertise.

The long-term vision of DISHA is to uplift the health and quality of life of society by educating and empowering people. By giving correct health information, emotional support, and advice on preventing illness, DISHA aims to help people stay healthy and well-informed. It promotes not only physical wellness, but also emotional strength and social well-being vital aspects of a balanced life.

Operating round the clock, DISHA maintains complete confidentiality and ensures that every caller receives non-judgmental and professional support. The service is completely free and is available to adolescents, vulnerable individuals, victims of abuse, those struggling with mental health issues, or anyone needing basic health advice. Whether someone is dealing with depression, stress, trauma, or physical illness, DISHA provides guidance, support, and a listening ear.

The helpline offers a wide range of services, including:

The Tele-counseling is provided to many different age groups, for Eg;

The Dial a Doctor Programme provides public to easy access of Doctors in a fingertip. The different specialty doctors who are well experienced in medical profession are attending the calls. They also provide the emergency first aid suggestion.

Any victim of the domestic violence can call to DISHA for emergency help. According to the intensity of the call it is diverted to the corresponding GBVM counselors in each district.

The different services from the Kerala Government hospitals can be enquired through DISHA. The information regarding the vaccination, various government schemes etc can be enquired. The complaints regarding the health sector can the addressed through DISHA so that it can be highlighted to the higher authorities.

Hridyam is a unique initiative by Government of Kerala to support children up to 18yrs with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). The Hridyam Cases can be registered through DISHA over phone so that the treatment for the patient can be given at the earliest based on the priority.

Mrithasanjeevini is the program run by Kerala Network for Organ Sharing. The organ donors or receivers can call to DISHA for registering in the scheme.

Infant death in Kerala can be reported through DISHA and from DISHA it is reporting to the corresponding data bank.

The details of various health Schemes and programmes can be addressed through DISHA. For eg; R.S.B.Y/C.H.I.S, R.B.S.K, J.S.Y/J.S.S.K,.

The communicable disease can be reported to DISHA, so that sudden action can be taken by higher authorities without going into an outbreak.

DISHA support Cochin Cancer Research Centre by acting as Cancer Control Helpline. The early detection of cancer can be done through extend by this program. The doctors from Cochin Cancer Centre support us in this venture.