Duronto trains to have doctors

Railway Board Executive Director, Health (Planning), Dr Pankaj Kapoor, in a communique to all general managers of IR, has instructed them to immediately implement the ‘doctors on duronto train’ proposal.

Stating that this will be on a pilot project basis for a period of one year, and a free service, Kapoor said each train will have one general duty medical officer (GDMO) and one paramedical staff.

Pointing out that respective railway zones can outsource the requisite manpower, he said till such time, the staff currently being utilised by railway employees and their family members can be utilised from their existing cadre with suitable adjustments.

Two berths in the II AC compartment in every train have been earmarked to carry a doctor, an attendant, medicines, other disposable and resuscitation equipments, while more advanced instruments with newer technology needed for diagnosis such as ECG, ophthalmoscope, oxygen cylinders, and emergency management disposable and medicines can be purchased when necessary. Instructions have also been given to hospitals in the vicinity of rail stations to keep a medical team ready in case of emergencies, Kapoor added.