India’s first hospital train Lifeline Express or Jeevan Rekha Express reached Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. This seven-coach train provides medical facilities to the deprived people in remote areas of the country. In the last 28 years, 12 lakh people have received free treatment through this train. It is being run in collaboration with Impact India Foundation, Indian Railways and Health Ministry.
It started runnoning on the tracks in 1991. The train has made a health impact both in India, as well as around the world where it has inspired similar initiatives. According to Railway Board officials, each bogie of the train is air-conditioned. There is an operation theatre with three operation tables. The train also has a room for programs like sterilization. Train coaches have power generators, pantry cars and medical supplies stores in addition to the medical ward.
The idea to start Lifeline Express was to provide on-the-spot diagnostic, medical and advanced surgical treatment for disabled adults and children. It is an outreach program for inaccessible rural areas where medical services are not available, travelling via Indian Railways.
It is providing prompt advanced surgical treatment free of cost to such people. The state-of-the-art operation theatre of the train carries out operations like injured lips, polio, cataract and sterilization.
