New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS) Lifeline Express, the world's first hospital on a train, is set to get two more coaches for the detection and control of oral, breast and cervical cancer on Tuesday, the Ministry of Railways said on Monday.
"Two additional coaches to the existing five-coach hospital train 'Lifeline Express' for the detection and control of oral, breast and cervical cancer, prevention of stroke and family health services," the ministry said in a statement here.
"These additional services will be provided to augment the existing restorative surgeries conducted for sight, hearing, clefts, burn contractures and orthopaedic impairment, and treatment of epilepsy and dental problems," the ministry said.
According to the railways, the Lifeline Express will have three fully equipped operation theatres for free-of-cost services for the rural poor across India.
"A total of 10,000 persons will benefit at each project location," the ministry said.
The Lifeline Express which started its journey in 1991 has so far treated over one million disabled poor in rural India, all free of cost, made possible with the 'donated' services of over 200,000 medical professionals from around the world.
Till date the Lifeline Express has taken up projects at 177 places across India.
It has performed more than one lakh surgeries for restoration of mobility, vision, hearing and correction of facial deformities.
The Lifeline Express is also popularly known as the "Magic Train of India".
"The augmented seven-coach Lifeline Express will commence its 178th Lifeline Express project at Satna, in Madhya Pradesh from December 15, 2016 till January 5, 2017," the ministry added.
