Despite witnessing several rail-related accidents in the last six months, 30 railway stations in Mumbai are devoid of ambulance services. Even if ambulance service is provided, there were instances when ambulances parked outside stations were found locked or without doctors. Lack of emergency medical centres at railway stations adds to the woes.
However, the Railways and the state government are more busy playing blame game than do something about it. On October 24, the Central Railway categorically said that it is the job of the state government to provide ambulances and they would make parking spot available on rail premises.
According to the CR officials, 12 stations on the Harbour and 18 on the Mainline do not have ambulance services. At present only 22 stations have ambulances services. "We have been writing letters to the state government asking them to provide ambulances. However they have expressed their inability to provide more ambulances," said DK Sharma, General Manager of Central Railway.
The CR authorities are also floating tenders for other ambulances and are hopeful that companies come forth through corporate social responsibility (CSR). Dr Sanjiv Kambli, senior health department official said, "We haven't received any proposal so far to increase the number of ambulances in the city. Around 35 ambulances are functioning near the railway stations across the city; and when needed, the nearest ambulance is given an emergency call."
Meanwhile, the railways have also asked the citizens to take responsibility of their own lives and use FOBs rather than crossing tracks to prevent accidents.
WHERE NOT TO FALL ILL
Stations with no ambulance:
Masjid, Cotton Green, Kings Circle, Diva, Mumbra
Stations with ambulance:
CSMT, Dadar, Ghatkopar, Wadala, Kurla
30 stations without ambulance service
22 stations with ambulance service
