Lifeline Express, the world's first hospital on tracks, is scheduled to reach Raichur for a 20-day camp starting April 10.
During its halt, its team of specialist doctors will see cases of cleft lip, post-burn contracture release, orthopaedic corrective surgeries, epilepsy, ear, eye and teeth related medical issues.
Deputy Commissioner S.Sasikanth Senthil told a news conference on Monday that five medical teams with each consisting of five or six specialist doctors from reputed hospitals and health institutions would treat the patients free of charge. They are accompanied by support staff.
He said local doctors and support staff from the Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), OPEC Hospital and the Navodaya Medical College and Hospital would assist the touring medical team. Pre-operative screening and post-operative care would be provided at RIMS and OPEC hospitals," Mr. Senthil said. Lifeline Express experts would interact with faculty members and students at local medical colleges.
Lifeline (or Jeevan Rekha) Express is being run by Impact India Foundation jointly with Indian Railways since 1991 to provide medical service to patients in rural and remote areas. During its current vist it will camp in a separate bay at the Raichur Railway Station.
Dr. Vaibhav, representing Impact India Foundation, said, “We have set a target of treating 1,000 people in this 162nd camp.” Lifeline Express had completed 23 years, conducted more than one lakh surgeries and treated over one million patients free of costs in 161 camps conducted across India, he said.
The entire train is a well-equipped hospital on rail and moves across the country along with its air-conditioned coaches. Two coaches double up as operation theatres for surgeries while there are also five operating tables.
Mr. Senthil urged the public to make use of the oppotunity and registering either through Primary Health Centres or directly at the camp at Rajiv Gandhi Superspecialty Hospital (OPEC Hospital.)
The Schedule
April 10-14 Screening for eye procedures and interventions
April 11-17 Eye surgeries
April 18, 19 Cleft lip & Post-burn contracture release & Orthopaedic corrective surgeries (Patients under 14yr)
Apr. 19, 21 Surgeries in the same cases
Apr. 22-26 Screening for ear related problems
Apr. 23-30 Ear related surgeries
Apr 14-20 Screening of epilepsy cases (Only OPD treatment in Lifeline Express)
Apr 10-12 Screening of dental patients (Only OPD treatment)
