Northern Railway, health department, district administration join hands to address delays in shifting passengers to hospitals
Jammu|Nov 11: In a significant step towards strengthening passenger safety, Northern Railway’s Jammu Division has arranged a permanently stationed ambulance within the premises of Jammu Tawi Railway Station to ensure immediate medical assistance to passengers during emergencies.
The facility has been introduced in coordination with the State Medical Department, District Administration Jammu and the Red Cross, following concerns over delays in the arrival of ambulances from outside the railway station during medical emergencies.
Railway officials said that the time taken between reporting an emergency and the arrival of an ambulance from outside often resulted in the loss of crucial minutes during the ‘Golden Hour’, the critical period when timely medical intervention can significantly improve the chances of survival.
To address the issue, Jammu Division initiated coordination with health authorities, the local administration and the Red Cross, resulting in the arrangement of a well-equipped ambulance within the station premises.
Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu, said passenger safety and health remained the railway’s foremost priorities, adding that the availability of an ambulance within the station would help minimise delays in providing emergency medical assistance.
“Every minute is extremely precious during a medical emergency, and precious lives can be saved by eliminating delays during the Golden Hour. With the cooperation of the State Medical Department, District Administration and Red Cross, we are ensuring that passengers receive immediate first aid and are shifted to hospitals without unnecessary delay,” the DRM said.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Uchit Singhal said improved coordination with the State Health Department would ensure prompt assistance to passengers requiring medical attention at the station.
He said patients could be immediately shifted to the nearest government hospital or an appropriate referral hospital, depending on the nature of the emergency.
Singhal also expressed gratitude to the District Collector, Jammu, and other agencies for extending cooperation in facilitating the arrangement.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening emergency response mechanisms at one of the region’s important railway stations, which handles a substantial movement of passengers.
Jammu Division said it would continue working with health agencies and the district administration to improve passenger amenities and ensure safe, responsive and convenient railway services.
Passengers facing a medical emergency at Jammu Tawi Railway Station have been advised to immediately contact the Station Manager, ticket-checking staff or Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel for assistance.
