Re 1 clinics to shut down at central railway stations in Mumbai, officials are to blame

Since May 2017, the clinics have treated close to 20,000 patients

Mumbai's famous Re 1 clinics at eight locations in Central railway stations will shut down in two days thanks to apathy. Despite saving the lives of 200 accident victims and attending to 20,000 patients, the clinics face the threat of closure thanks to squabbling officials of the railways.

Speaking to OneIndia, Dr. Rahul Ghule, the founder of Re 1 clinics said that despite an investment of Rs 11 lakh, railway officials were reluctant to allocate space at 11 locations and even demolished a pharmacy at Dadar railway station. "Politics and administration are killing good schemes. We are shifting all eight clinics out of the central railway stations," said Dr Ghule.

In a letter to the Divisional Railway Manager, Central Mumbai, Dr Ghule has said that the clinics will be withdrawn within three days. The letter dated September 3 says that since its inception in May 2017, eight Re 1 clinics on central railway stations have treated close to 20,000 patients and have saved 200 accident victims. In July, the clinic also helped a woman passenger deliver a baby.

"Because of internal railway officers' clashes, we have suffered heavy losses. As per our knowledge, some politicians are opposing the clinics and because of this very reason, railways is refusing to grant permission for 11 earmarked places," Dr Ghule said.

He insisted that despite the lack of permission and unnecessary red tapism, the Re 1 clinics will function, albeit in different locations. "We are shifting these clinics to slums or localities where people from the lower middle class live. We are also starting a home medical service. We will continue to serve those in need," Dr Ghule said.

The railways meanwhile, has said that there were no issues between its officials and the Re 1 clinic founders. Railways public relations office maintains that the clinics will not shut down. Members of Dr Gyhule's team allege that the permissions are not being granted to open more clinics or current structures are being demolished due to political pressure. The railways has to ensure that it gives free space, electricity, and water to the clinics. Space is offered by clearing illegal hawkers at the station. The clearance has come as a threat to the clinics with local administration, allegedly unwilling to provide space.

OneIndia News