Group to launch suicide prevention hotline

ras al khaimah — Alarmed over recent suicide cases, the Indian community in Ras Al Khaimah sprang into action by forming a team of social workers whom people in distress can talk to for help and counsel.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, social worker Prasad Sreedharan said the Indian Relief Committee (IRC) in the emirate is forming a special disaster team that is tasked to lend an ear and a helping hand to people who needed them most.

“A toll-free hotline for distress calls will be announced soon and a dedicated team will handle the issues and help people find solutions to their problems,” Sreedharan said. The committee’s lines will be open round the clock and anyone in distress may call the team anytime, he added.

Year-long medical camp

Besides the emergency hotline project, the IRC is also gearing up for a year-long free medical camp, which will kick off on Friday at New Indian School in Al Mamoorah, Sreedharan said. The camp aims to offer free healthcare services and medicines to those who cannot afford them, he said.

“The event is to be held under the patronage of the Consulate-Generdubai

al of India in Dubai, in association with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap), the Ministry of Interior, the Department of Public Works in RAK, Association of All Kerala Medical Graduates, RAK Hospital, Julphar pharmaceutical company and other partners.”

“More than 20 general practitioners, 30 specialists, 20 consultants and 150 paramedics will work together for the success of the camp,” he said. “It will start at 8am and registration will continue till 3pm.”

The camp is open to all nationalities and free for everyone, Sreedharan added.

It will be inaugurated by Neeraj Agarwal, the head of chancery from the Consulate-General of India in Dubai, and Mohap officials on Friday.