A recent response to an RTI query filed by Samir Zaveri has revealed that several emergency medical rooms (EMRs) across Central Railway stations in Mumbai have been shut down. The RTI data disclosed the names of the stations where these medical rooms were operational in 2023, as well as the dates when they were closed.
These EMRs were initially set up following a Bombay High Court directive in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 50/2008, filed by Zaveri. The PIL urged Central and Western Railway authorities to ensure the availability of medical assistance at key suburban railway stations to aid passengers facing medical emergencies or accidents.
According to the information provided by Central Railway, Karjat, Kalyan, Kurla, Ulhasnagar, Chembur, Kalva, Dadar, Vashi, Ghatkopar, and Bhandup stations had operational emergency medical rooms in 2023.
The emergency medical rooms at Karjat were closed on December 15, 2023; Kurla on November 20, 2023; Ulhasnagar on December 1, 2023; Chembur on November 19, 2023; Kalva on November 20, 2023; and Bhandup on November 29, 2023. Scheduled closures are also planned for Thane on June 20, 2024; Titwala on June 18, 2024; Mankhurd on June 18, 2024; and Panvel on June 18, 2024. Govandi’s medical room was closed in January 2024, and Vikhroli’s is scheduled for closure on December 2, 2024.
According to a senior official, the primary reason for shutting down these emergency medical rooms was the non-availability of doctors. During inspections, it was observed that at several emergency medical rooms, doctors were not present, and only nurses and other supporting staff were running the medical rooms. Even they were found absent on many occasions and incapable of handling emergency situations.
However, when contacted, Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, stated that currently, emergency medical rooms are operational at five stations, including Kalyan, Vashi, Byculla, Vikhroli, and Ghatkopar.
“Apart from this, Central Railway has signed agreements with 74 nearby hospitals to provide treatment to those in need. These hospitals cover 41 suburban stations. Additionally, the process of signing agreements with nearby hospitals to cover the remaining stations is underway,” he said.
However, Zaveri, who filed the PIL for the establishment of these medical facilities, has expressed concern over the lack of continuity in medical services, which could jeopardize the safety and health of daily commuters.
