In an attempt to provide additional quarantine centers during the ongoing global health crisis of corona virus ‘Covid-19’ Indian Railways had converted its mobile coaches as isolation centers. These coaches considered as additional health facility have an advantage as they can be moved anywhere in the country through the rail network in a short time where ever the health care facilities are limited. On the demand of the Delhi government, Northern Railway had placed 503 isolation coaches at 9 stations of Delhi area since 17.06.2020. This facility will be used for patients having very mild to mild symptoms.
Sh. Rajiv Chaudhry, General Manager Northern & North Central Railways informed that patients have started arriving at the isolation coaches placed at Shakurbasti Railway Station from today. The following arrangements have been made as per the agreement between the state government & Ministry of Railways:
- Northern Railway will be responsible for the basic infrastructure and maintenance of the premises. Cleaning and Sanitization of platforms, providing housekeeping materials (Linen & blankets), management of Bio-toilets, power and electric supply arrangements, watering, communication facilities, signage and marking of different areas will be provided by the Railway. Also the Oxygen cylinders in the coaches will be provided by the Railways. Catering is to be provided by the Railways. This will include meals three times a day and tea in the morning and evening. The Railway Protection force will provide security at the railway station premises and the platform area where the coaches have been placed. Delhi Police will be in-charge of the security arrangements outside and adjoining areas of the station.
- The coaches have been handed over to the local administration by the Railways to be used as Covid care centre. The identification, transportation, admission and discharge of the patients will be the responsibility of the Health Dept. of the state govt.
- The patients are to be treated for the condition as per the DGHS protocol, and have to be shifted to covid healthcare center in case their health deteriorates by ambulances provided by DGHS/Hospital.
- Bhagwan Mahavir Hospital, Pitampura, New Delhi, is the Primary hospital under which the coaches are to work. The hospital is to provide the requisite medicines, medical equipment and material along with coach attendants. Coach sanitation and waste segregation & disposal will also be the responsibility of the hospital.
- A Reception centre has been opened at the station for administration of the covid care coaches and the patients. An Emergency control room has also been setup at the site by the Railways. This will be manned 24×7 by the railway officials for coordinating and providing Railway related assistance.
The coaches at Shakurbasti have been placed under a shed so are shaded from direct sunlight and fans have been provided in each coupe for optimum air circulation and better temperature control.