Twenty-six-year-old transgender, Malathi, had to discontinue from a course in medical laboratory technology owing to family problems. But her brief hospital training came in handy on Wednesday as she, along with two transgender people, helped a woman deliver a baby on board a moving train.
Malathi, a resident of Gudiyatham, along with Sankari (51) and Shymala (50), was travelling in the Thiruvananthapuram-Guwahati Express when they came across Zarina Begam (25), who was experiencing labour pain. The trio was travelling from Jolarpet to Katpadi.
“The woman started to experience pain when the train had crossed Vaniyambadi. Her husband and two children were travelling along, and I think the onset of labour was unexpected for them,” said Malathi. While passengers in the coach were baffled, some suggested stopping the train by pulling the chain. “But the train was passing through a forest-like area, and we were sure there would be no help nearby.
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I studied a diploma course in medical laboratory technology for a year in 2009, and underwent six months training at a government hospital but had to discontinue due to family problems. So, I thought I could help the woman,” she added.
The three transgender people made Zarina lie down and prepared to receive the baby. Meanwhile, the railway police was informed, and the 108 ambulance was called to the approaching station – Katpadi.
“She was delivered of a baby boy when the train was crossing Gudiyatham. I took a blade from a passenger and cut the umbilical cord, and wrapped the baby with a cloth that another passenger provided,” she added. As the train chugged into Katpadi station, the 108 ambulance staff received the mother and child and took them to the Government Vellore Medical College Hospital at Adukkamparai.
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“The ambulance staff said that we had done everything correctly. Zarina’s husband was in tears and thanked us. Many passengers appreciated us. This is an unforgettable experience,” she said.
Malathi is keen to continue her studies, and is planning to enrol in a course soon.
The Government Railway Police, Katpadi, said that the family had boarded the train at Kollam and were travelling to Guwahati.
According to officials of 108 ambulance network, they received a call about the delivery at 7.51 a.m. “We deputed the Katpadi ambulance to the station. The mother informed the staff that she could have delivered the baby between 7.20 and 7.25 a.m.” an officer.
Zarina Begam started to experience
pain when the
train crossed Vaniyambadi