Ncell supports government in identifying COVID infected through a survey 

Kathmandu, April 15. Ncell Private Limited in collaboration with the COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre (CCMC) on Wednesday launched a self-assessment survey through USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) medium to support the Government of Nepal in identifying COVID infected people.   

In this survey, respondents or Ncell customers can answer five questions related to coronavirus by dialing USSD code *17100#. Upon answering the questions, respondents will immediately receive a message with a suitable health advice followed by government defined helpline numbers and Ncell hotline number: 9801575005 in which they can consult with doctors for free of charge. 

 If any of them fall under the suspected categories, they will be instantly be recommended to seek immediate health consultation. The details of the suspected customers will be shared with CCMC of the government. All respondents will be pre-informed about the objective of the survey is to support the government initiative to contain the global pandemic.

 Andy Chong, CEO of Ncell, shared his thought, “Our commitment to the serve the people of Nepal in our collective fight against COVID-19 remains uncompromised.  We hope our support by extending our infrastructure and platforms, will help our customers to do self assessment and jointly help the Government to mitigate the spread of the virus. In unusual times like these, everyone must do what is possible within their disposal and Ncell is committed to ensure the health and wellbeing of our partners and the 17 million plus customers we serve countrywide.” 

 After this collaboration with CCMC, the self-assessment survey is now available for all customers within Ncell network across the country. Ncell had already launched the USSD survey in Janakpur as pilot and later it was expanded to the East and Far-west on April 3. On the basis of survey results, respondents were provided an appropriate suggestion along with hotlines numbers. As a part of the crisis response, the company has already waived call charges to these helpline numbers.

 In combat against the COVID-19, the company had also contributed NPR 100 billion in the government-established COVID-19 Infection Prevention, Control and Treatment Fund, supporting the government to procure logistics such as personal protective gears, health equipment, PCR testing kits and other materials required in the testing, quarantining and treatment of Covid-19 patients. Ncell has also been providing multiple offers including 120% bonus on recharge, increment in Ncell Saapati amount, 15 GB data pack and free balance transfer to keep customers and communities connected during this trying time.