Medical teams ready to assist train passengers at Central

CHENNAI: The first group of arriving passengers will receive attention at MGR Chennai Central Railway Station from doctors attached to Southern Railway and the state health department. Those requiring assistance, including minor surgeries, will be referred to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH).
Preliminary reports indicate only one of the 200 passengers from Tamil Nadu has reported minor injuries, health minister Ma Subramanian said. "Others have not complained of pain, discomfort or injury. Five teams of doctors and nurses will be stationed along with first aid kits, lifesaving equipment and drugs at the station. Anyone requiring medical aid will be provided."
Ambulances of the 108 service will be available to transfer patients to hospitals or for interfacility transfers, he said. "At least 10 ambulances and five mortuary vans will be placed outside the station from Sunday. In addition, 20 ambulances will be kept on standby by the GVK -Emergency Management and Research Institute," he said.
At least 70 ICU beds and 35 beds in the emergency room of RGGGH have been reserved for the initial wave of patients from Sunday, dean Dr E Theranirajan said. Beds and medicines have also been made available at other hospitals, including Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Government Medical College Hospital in Omandurar, Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, and Royapettah Government Hospital. Orthopedicians, neurosurgeons, cardiologists, general surgeons and anaesthetists have been placed on standby. Adequate supplies of blood and essential medications will be stocked as well.
Health department authorities offered to dispatch doctors, nurses, ambulances, mobile units, and essential medical supplies to Odisha, but the government said there is currently no need, Subramanian said.