Patna: Stationed at Ara, around 54km west of Patna, is a train that provides medical aid to the people for free.
The seven-coach Lifeline Express, an initiative of the Indian Railways, has performed more than 1.30 lakh surgeries at 190 stops across India. Danapur divisional railway manager Ranjan Prakash Thakur said the hospital train is run by Impact India Foundation, a non-profit organisation that works with the railways.
"The Lifeline Express, in which the railways provides free medical treatment to the people, is stationed at Ara railway station," Thakur said. "It is beneficial for those who cannot afford expensive medical treatment. The facility would be available from September 18 to October 5, 2018. One can register by giving the Aadhaar number."
The train has 40 doctors on board, apart from nurses and assistants. "There are two operation theatres, five operating tables, a sterilisation area, two recovery rooms for the patients, onboard generator, one pantry car, storage room," Thakur explained.
Anil Prem Sagar, coordinator of the Lifeline Express, said that the train was stationed at Kashi for 22 days. He added that the train was first launched in 1991 with six-air conditioned coaches and one non-AC coach.
The Lifeline Express functions from 9am to 4pm and sometimes it extends its services up to 6pm. It also gives emphasis on educating local doctors and people about the proper health care.
There is a schedule for the ailments that will be tackled on the train at Ara.
From September 18 to 21 is the time for registration for eye-related problems and the doctors will see or operate upon those patients from September 19 to 24. Registration for ear-related problems will be done from September 21 to 25, and those surgeries will be from September 26 to October 1.
October 2-3 is the time for registration for problems related to restoration of mobility followed by surgery between October 3 and 5. And from September 20 to 30 the doctors on the train will treat women suffering from cancer of mouth, breast and cervix.
Epilepsy patients can see doctors between September 30 and October 1, and those suffering from dental problems can get help from September 29 to October 5.
Thakur said that free food and accommodation would be provided to the patient and one attendant - but not for epilepsy and dental patients.