Emergency medical centers shut in Central Railway line

Mumbai: Several emergency medical centers at key railway stations on the Central Railway line, established to provide immediate medical assistance to commuters in distress, have reportedly been shut down in recent months. This has raised serious concerns about the safety of passengers who may require urgent medical attention due to sudden health issues or railway accidents.

These emergency centers were set up near railway stations to ensure prompt medical aid for passengers experiencing health complications or injuries from train-related mishaps. However, frequent complaints from commuters highlighted a lack of medical staff, doctors, and essential medical equipment at these centers. Recent information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act by activist Sameer Zaveri confirms the closure of several such facilities at major stations on the Central Railway network.

As a result, passengers in need of immediate medical care are being forced to seek treatment outside the railway premises, often losing crucial time in emergencies. Many incidents of commuters falling from local trains or getting injured while crossing railway tracks have been reported, but due to the unavailability of timely first aid, casualties have occurred.

When our reporter contacted Central Railway’s Public Relation Officer, Dr. Swapnil Neela, he stated, "Emergency medical centers are currently operational at five major railway stations. Additionally, Central Railway has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 76 hospitals located within 500 to 600 meters of railway stations, covering 41 stations under this arrangement."

Earlier inspections revealed two primary reasons for the failure of these emergency centers: the unavailability of doctors and a lack of essential medical equipment. Due to numerous complaints from passengers, railway officials conducted inspections and found that doctors were frequently absent, and emergency centers were not responding effectively.

To address these concerns, the Central Railway has now partnered with hospitals near railway stations, ensuring that passengers requiring medical assistance receive immediate treatment. The railway authorities have assured that all expenses incurred for emergency treatment at these hospitals will be covered by the railway. Passengers are urged not to panic, as necessary measures have been taken to provide medical support in case of emergencies.