Name the helpline providing 'Medical Consultation'?

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

The 104 helpline is a non-emergency medical service providing teleconsultation, health advice, and information on health services.
It is operational in many Indian states as part of the National Health Mission (NHM) framework.
Services offered include medical advice from qualified professionals, counseling, and information about service directories like the location of health facilities.
This helpline plays a crucial role in reducing the burden on emergency services by addressing non-critical health queries.

Option A: This is the national toll-free CHILDLINE helpline for children in distress or in need of assistance.
Option B: This number is not a designated national helpline for medical consultation in India and serves as a distractor.
Option D: This is the national emergency response helpline for critical medical situations, accidents, and trauma that require an ambulance.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain National Health Helplines in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses have a responsibility to educate patients and the community on the appropriate use of health helplines to ensure efficient use of resources.
Directing non-emergency calls to 104 prevents the overloading of the 108 emergency ambulance service, ensuring it remains available for life-threatening situations.
What if? A patient with a known chronic condition calls the ward with a non-urgent query about their medication side effects. The nurse should provide initial advice and can also direct them to the 104 helpline for further detailed consultation, documenting the advice given.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on general knowledge relevant to healthcare in India.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'Medical Consultation'.
Distinguish 'consultation' (advice, information) from 'emergency' (requiring immediate physical intervention like an ambulance).
Recall the functions of the common helpline numbers provided in the options.
Eliminate 108, which is for emergencies, and 1098, which is for children.
Select 104 as the number designated for non-emergency medical advice and information.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 134-136

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 337-339

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.