No compensation for death in running train for want of medicare

New Delhi, May 12 (UNI) The government today said there is no policy to provide compensation to passengers who die in trains for want of medicare because hospital-like facilities cannot be provided in running trains.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Railway Naranbhai J. Rathwa said all long-distance passenger trains are provided with First Aid boxes containing essential drugs, which are available with Guards.

In addition, Augmented First Aid Boxes with additional medicines and disposable medical material have been provided with Train Superintendents and Pantry Car Managers of Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains and on nominated long-distance Mail and Express trains.

Mr Rathwa said the frontline staff -- train superintendents, conductors and TTEs -- are also trained in providing first aid to the needy passengers. Trains can also make unscheduled halts at stations in extreme emergencies.

Passengers can also access station masters for details of doctors, clinics and hospitals, both government and private, in the vicinity of their respective stations.

Besides, a database has also been developed regarding availability of non-Railway medical facilities for providing emergency medical aid to sick travelling passengers in trains and at stations.

However, in case of a death, the government cannot provide compensation because full-fledged hospital facilities cannot be provided in running trains, the minister said.

UNI SKS YA GC1351