The coronavirus helpline handlers have told Punjab Emergency Service Director General Dr Rizwan about a significant surge in calls for ration.

The rescuers raised concerns with the chief when he visited the facility to review performance and monitor measures to stem the spread of coronavirus.

The DG was briefed that 22,201 persons rang helpline 1190 since its establishment on March 21.

Just 3,552 callers sought medical advice, the handlers said, adding that 17, 268 callers asked for ration delivery.

The rise in requests for ration have been observed since April 12 – a few days after the extension to lockdown to fend off COVID-19.

The DG felt for the needy especially the day labourers and made an appeal to philanthropists to come forward and join the noble cause in the month of blessings.

Earlier, Community Safety and Information head Deeba Shahnaz apprised the DG of the ration distribution service started on the directions of Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar.

“A total of 40,529 ration packets have been distributed to deserving people in Lahore and Rawalpindi,” she said.