Five city-based railway stations that started cost effective ‘one rupee clinic’ saw a footfall of 6,900 visitors within a month. The clinic was first opened at Ghatkopar railway station on May 10, followed by four other railway stations — Dadar, Kurla, Mulund and Wadala Road in the second week of May.
According to Dr Rahul Ghule, two more clinics will open on July 1 at two railway stations — Thane and Vashi. The aim of the ‘one rupee clinic’ initiative is to give medical treatment to the general public and accident victims at the crowded railway stations.
Speaking about the cases visited so far in the five centres, Dr Rahul Ghule said, “30 per cent of the patients have diabetes issue. Our motto is affordable health. For this, we have started cost effective medical service and medical test at all the centres. We will be having a trial service related to ultrasound therapy to control sugar level in the body. The therapy is still not practically implemented in India.”
Within a month, the footfall at five centers are: so far 3,800 patients visited Ghatkopar, 1,800 patients visited Kurla clinic, 700 patients visited Dadar clinic, and 600 patients at Wadala Road.
Dr Ghule added, “Till date, there were six severely injured cases at Kurla station. Out of those one person died. In Dadar, three severely injured cases were attended.”
Within six months, every station will have emergency medical rooms (EMR). The ‘one rupee clinic’ initiative will soon be expanded on Western line.
“We will take at least five months to set up clinics at other 19 railway stations on the central and harbour line. We have written letters to the Western Railways for the permission to expand the initiative on the western lines too,” added Ghule.
