DOHA: A deaf person was the first caller on Wednesday of the Ministry of Interior’s emergency call (992) service for people with aural challenges launched last Tuesday at the National Command Centre.
Operators at the Command Centre were able to provide the services asked by the caller. The centre is manned by some 20 trained staff who will attend to any call 24 hours a day.
MoI officials said the centre will serve some 500 deaf persons and other people with special needs registered with the Qatar Social Cultural Center for the Deaf (QCSCD) considered as the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East. Callers can avail of the services using three options — video call SMS and e-mail. Sign language experts have been made available at the centre round-the-clock to handle the calls.
“We are proud today to launch this service that is unprecedented in the Middle East and it shows the concern of the Ministry of Interior toward equal rights and access for all segments of the community and communicating them with appropriate means,” said Brigadier Al Suwaidi, speaking at the launch.
The Minister of State for Interior Affairs H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani launched the emergency call (992) service.
The initiative was realised as a result of the collaboration between the Ministry and Qtel, enabling the deaf to contact the operations room during emergencies (ambulance, rescue, fire).
The emergency service can be availed by dialing 992. Deaf people can communicate with this service by calling ‘992’ using 3G enabled devices from computers or mobile phones, sending SMS to 992 or sending an email to [email protected].
The sender should mention clearly the type of the problem and service needed such as ‘Ambulance, Civil Defence and Police’. In addition, the name of the sender along with the address and the injuries or deaths if occurred should be mentioned.
Earlier, emergency services for the deaf were offered with the help of QCSCD but with the 992 service, aurally challenged people can directly contact the operations room.
The public can contact for services on 44526666 (NCC Call Centre), 44526300 (Direct phone), 44526398 (Extension) 44526677 (Fax).The Peninsula
