Did you know the world’s first hospital train was launched by Indian Railways, it still serves the needy; check details and watch video
World's first hospital train, called the Lifeline Express is run by Indian Railways
The world’s first hospital train, called as the ‘Lifeline Express’ or ‘Jeevan Rekha Express’ was launched in India by Indian Railways in collaboration with Impact India Foundation on July 16, 1991.
This unique hospital on train is not just unique to India but also the first of its kind in the world. It was the result of a productive collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Indian Railways and the Impact India Foundation (IIF). It was funded by international charitable organizations, Indian corporations, and individuals and has made quality healthcare accessible to the remotest parts of the country, inspiring similar initiatives in other countries.
This train is equipped with two modern operation theaters, five operating tables, and advanced medical equipment. It has traveled across 19 states in India, covering 201 rural locations in 138 districts so far, providing advanced medical treatment to over 1.2 million patients, including more than 146,000 successful surgeries, since its launch.
Medical Services Offered by Lifeline Express
This unique hospital on rails provides advanced medical treatment, especially to the underprivileged, living in the remote corners of the country, who otherwise don’t have access to quality medical care.
- Orthopedic Surgeries: Correction of physical disabilities, particularly those caused by polio.
- Ophthalmological Procedures: Cataract surgeries and intraocular lens implants.
- Audiometry and Hearing Restoration: Screening and surgical interventions to restore hearing.
- Cleft Palate Surgery: Surgical correction of cleft palates.
- Epilepsy Treatment: Screening, treatment, and counseling for epilepsy patients.
- Immunization and Preventive Care: Nutritional assessment, immunizations, and health awareness campaigns.
- Training: Onboard training for local doctors and health professionals in surgical procedures and medical care.
Check video of the train here:
🚂🌍 Discover the World's First Hospital Train! The Lifeline Express is bringing state-of-the-art medical care to remote areas across India. Watch the video to see how this incredible train is transforming lives one stop at a time. #Healthcare #Innovation #India #LifelineExpress pic.twitter.com/5uYo9Sq0Uy
— Punenow News (@itspunenow) August 29, 2024
Facilities Aboard the Lifeline Express
The Lifeline Express is a fully equipped hospital on rails with two operation theaters with five operating tables equipped with state-of-the-art medical devices such as anesthesia ventilators, defibrillators, and Carl Zeiss microscopes. There are patient wards and recovery rooms for post operative care. The train also has medical supplies store and adequate accommodation for medical staff.
Recently, two additional coaches were added to deliver cancer and family health services, focusing on oral, breast, and cervical cancer detection and prevention.
Lifeline Express – A Lifesaver Without Boundaries
This train does not see the boundaries of states or regions and swiftly reaches wherever there is need for medical care. Besides treating patients, the staff onboard this train engage in educating and empowering remote communities about basic healthcare, disease prevention and controlling communicable diseases.
This train can be particularly be helpful in dealing with natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes in remote areas by quickly mobilizing and relocating itself to the affected areas to provide medial assistance.
