PIB Debunks Misleading Claim About Nationwide ‘Blood On Call’ Helpline

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has categorically stated that the Central Government has not launched a nationwide ‘Blood on Call’ helpline via the number 104, countering widely circulated misinformation on social media and messaging platforms.

The claim suggested that citizens across India could dial 104 to access blood services, purportedly as part of a central government initiative. However, PIB Fact Check, the government’s official fact-verification wing, labelled the assertion as misleading.

Clarifying the matter further, PIB confirmed that while the 104 number is operational in some regions, it functions as a general health helpline under state-level schemes and not as a dedicated, centralised blood bank service.

In certain states, health departments use 104 to provide services such as medical advice, maternal and child health counselling, and mental health support.

However, respective state health departments implement these services, and they do not form a unified national scheme.

No Central Government Scheme Tied to the 104 Helpline

PIB stressed that the Government of India does not operate any scheme under the name ‘Blood on Call’ using the 104 number.

Taking to its official Twitter handle, PIB Fact Check stated, “Claim: Govt. of India has launched a pan-India helpline number. ‘Blood on Call’ to meet the requirement for blood #PIBFactCheck. This claim is #misleading. GOI is not running any such scheme !! This number is used for various helpline services in some states.”

The government urges citizens to verify such claims through official sources and avoid spreading unverified information that may confuse medical emergencies.

This clarification comes at a time when public trust in verified health information is crucial.

The Centre continues to monitor misinformation related to public welfare schemes, particularly in the health sector, and encourages people to consult government portals or the official PIB Fact Check platform for accurate updates.

As part of its ongoing campaign against fake news, PIB Fact Check has increased efforts to flag and debunk misleading or false claims that gain traction online.

This recent clarification is a reminder of the importance of relying on authenticated information, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.

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