The Tiruchy Division under Southern Railway is the first one to empanel local doctors for a disaster management plan, said Dr S G Madwesh, Chief Medical Superintendent, here on Thursday. This plan, was financially neutral and would enhance emergency preparedness during rescue and relief operations. The process of empanelling will commence in Tiruchy Division in a couple of weeks.
Presenting a paper on ‘Divisional Disaster Management Plan’ at the 14th annual conference of the Indian Railways Public Health Association, Dr Madwesh stressed the need for each railways division to have a disaster management plan. As of now, there is only one health unit for each 100 km with a lone doctor. While accidents in the vicinity of urban centres would get aid soon, it was difficult to extend assistance in other places due to logistical issues.
Speaking to Express, Dr Madwesh said a minimum of four local doctors should be empanelled to assist during the emergency.
At present, the railways hires medical practitioners on contract for the health units during the absence of doctors in a division by paying them `1,313 per day.