Indian railways are among one of the world’s biggest railway services. An Indian railway journey is always special. It has become like a brand. In some metro cities, these railway service has become a lifeline for people. Famous for fast service, and quick response Indian railways always played an important role not only in connecting states, and districts but also people.
But apart from this, the biggest gift of the Indian railway service to people is a free medical facility through rail. There is a train in India which is called the world’s first hospital train. Lifeline Express, formally known as Jeevan Rekha Express, started running in July 1991 and was started with the collaboration of Impact India Foundation, Indian Railways, and the health ministry. This is the world’s first hospital train that covers the country’s remote areas, providing free treatment to people in need. Presently, it is stationed at the Badarpur Station in Assam serving patients free of cost.
The Jeevan Rekha Express plugged the biggest gap in India’s healthcare system. Being able to reach the remotest parts of the country, the hospital train brought world-class healthcare services to nooks and corners of India, providing free Medicare to the underprivileged people in the country.
The 7-coach train equipped with state-of-the-art technology has onboard the most advanced medical equipment and a dedicated team of medical professionals to treat patients and even perform surgeries. It is equipped with two modern operation theatres, five operating tables, sterilising room, a patient ward, a room for medical supplies along with other medical facilities. The hospital train offers on-the-spot diagnosis and is equipped with facilities to perform surgeries too. Apart from OPD treatments like checking blood pressure and sugar levels, it offers treatments for epilepsy, dental problems, cancer treatment, correction of facial deformities and many more for free of cost. It also has its own medical stores.
The train also has a staff compartment and pantry area. It is equipped with a kitchen, water purifier, gas stove and electric oven and refrigerator. The second coach consists of the medical store as well as two autoclave units.
