All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) Initiative: Establishment of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at Important Railway Stations

The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) is a leading organization committed to enhancing safety in the railway sector across India. With a vision to integrate healthcare services within the railway ecosystem, AIRSC has meticulously studied the feasibility of setting up Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) at major railway stations across the country.

Rationale and Key Considerations:

India's Rail Passenger Volume: Around 23 million passengers travel daily on various trains across India, necessitating accessible healthcare facilities at railway stations.

Medical Assistance for Traveling Passengers: AIRSC aims to provide medical treatment for passengers who fall sick during travel.

Railway Accident & Emergency Response: On average, 360 railway accidents and other untoward incidents are attended annually, requiring swift medical intervention.

Emergency Medical Treatment: Timely and emergency medical support for sick travelers is a priority.

Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME): Ensuring that only fit and suitable candidates are recruited for railway services. Approximately 50,000 candidates undergo medical examination annually.

Periodical Medical Examination (PME): Ensuring that 1,20,000 railway employees are medically fit for their jobs, particularly those directly impacting railway safety.

Medical Boards & Certification: Providing necessary medical certifications for railway personnel.

Monitoring and Reducing Man-Days Lost Due to Sickness: Currently, only 2% of workdays are lost due to sickness, effectively controlled by medical officers.

Establishment of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs):

AIRSC’s initiative aims to make generic medicines and essential healthcare products accessible to railway passengers, employees, and the general public. PMBJKs will provide commonly used generic drugs covering all major therapeutic categories, ensuring affordable and high-quality healthcare.

The PMBJP scheme will expand to offer a complete spectrum of healthcare products and services.

By March 2019, the product basket is projected to include 800 drugs and 154 surgical items, with future expansions incorporating stents and medical replacements.

Target Beneficiaries:

The establishment of PMBJKs at railway stations will be particularly beneficial for:

Senior Citizens – Ensuring affordable healthcare solutions.

Destitute Ladies – Offering accessible medical support.

Handicapped Individuals – Providing necessary healthcare facilities.

Low-Income Housewives – Enhancing affordability and availability of medicines.

Rail Passengers & General Public – Creating a robust healthcare system integrated into the railway network.

This initiative by AIRSC aligns with the national objective of providing affordable healthcare while ensuring railway safety and well-being. The establishment of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at major railway stations will significantly improve healthcare accessibility for millions of passengers, railway employees, and the public at large.

Dr. R. Padmanabhan

Chairman

All India Rail Safety Council