One-rupee clinics at train stations may shut down

Mumbai: A year after they were set up by private doctors in collaboration with the railway authorities to offer emergency medical services (EMS) for a negligible sum, the one-rupee clinics attached to major railway stations may be shut down. Reason being Dr Rahul Ghule, who set up the clinics, has written to the railway authorities, requesting that the clinics be shut down owing to what he terms as “political pressure” and logistical issues.

Dr Ghule, CEO, one-rupee clinics, in his letter to the CR wrote, “We have given a deposit of Rs 20 lakh in April 2017 however we still haven’t got eight of the promised centres. We are struggling to sustain the project as it is public service-oriented.”

“Despite having all the required permissions, an extension of the EMR at Dadar was knocked down two days after the clinic’s inauguration,” he said.

“For the past few days, too much political pressure is being put on us. People are raising questions about our intentions. We have invested from our own pockets in the project for the benefit of the public,” the letter read adding that the centres will be closed down in phases, with the shutters first being downed on the ones at Mulund, Vikhroli and Vashi.

However, Railway officers rubbished the claims. Sunil Udasi, CR spokesperson, said, “We have been extending all possible assistance to all operators within the rules. Neither is there any proposal for closure nor have any such issues been brought to our notice.”