Mobitel launches cancer control hotline

Mobitel launched a hotline and call center solution with the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) of the Health Ministry to provide free consultation on on the prevention and control of cancer.

Any inquiries with regard to cancer care could be made directly to the newly launched Mobitel hotline 0715320320 which will connect you to a qualified doctor at any time of the day. This hotline offers convenience in obtaining information while assuring the anonymity of the caller.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said, "About 20,000 new cancer cases are detected each year which confirms that cancer is one of the highest non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the country and the world over. Early detection and treatment is key to treating any illness. This is what we hope to accomplish through this hotline." Mobitel's Acting CEO, Kapila Chandrasena said that over 60 calls were received each day inquiring about information on cancer-related issues.

"We are proud of this new initiative as it allows us to address a critical need. The hotline could potentially change people's lives if they take advantage of this opportunity. Cancer is responsible for close to nine percent of NCD deaths in Sri Lanka, despite the fact that some cancer is preventable and curable when detected early. This is why education and awareness creation mechanisms such as this hotline are important."

The hotline will initially have six qualified doctors who would assist callers in English, Sinhala or Tamil.