Medical Facilities at Railway Stations — First Aid and Pharmacy

Medical emergencies don't check your travel schedule. Whether it's a sudden illness, an injury on the platform, or a pre-existing condition flaring up during a long journey, knowing what medical help is available at Indian railway stations can make a critical difference.

Indian Railways operates one of the world's largest healthcare networks — 125+ railway hospitals, 586+ health units, and first aid centers at most major stations. Here's what you need to know.

First Aid Centers at Stations

What They Are

Most A1 and A-category stations have a first aid center (also called Health Unit) staffed by railway medical personnel. These are basic medical facilities that can handle:

• Minor injuries (cuts, bruises, sprains)
• Basic medication (fever, headache, stomach issues, diarrhea)
• Blood pressure monitoring
• First-response care for emergencies (before hospital transfer)
• Basic dressing and wound care

Where to Find Them

First aid centers are typically located:

• Near platform 1 — the most common location
• Ground floor of the main station building
• Near the station master's office

Look for signs reading "First Aid" or "Prathmik Chikitsa" (Hindi), or the red cross symbol.

Timing

Most first aid centers at major stations operate from 6 AM to 10 PM. Some A1 stations (New Delhi, Mumbai CSMT, Howrah, Chennai Central) have 24-hour medical facilities.

Cost

First aid treatment at railway medical facilities is free for passengers with valid tickets. Basic medications may be dispensed for free or at nominal cost.

Pharmacies at Stations

Railway Pharmacies

Some larger stations have a pharmacy or dispensary attached to the first aid center. They stock basic medicines:

• Pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Antacids and anti-diarrheal medication
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
• Bandages and antiseptic
• Common cold medication

Private Pharmacies

Many major stations have private pharmacies (Apollo Pharmacy, MedPlus, or local pharmacies) operating either inside the station or immediately outside the entrance. These have a wider range of medications and operate longer hours. Stations with notable pharmacy presence:

• New Delhi (NDLS): Apollo Pharmacy near the main entrance
• Mumbai CSMT: Pharmacy on DN Road side
• Howrah: Pharmacy near platform 1
• Chennai Central: Pharmacy near the main entrance on EVR Periyar Salai
• Secunderabad: Pharmacy inside and outside

Prescription Medications

For prescription drugs, you need a valid prescription from a doctor. The railway first aid center's doctor can write prescriptions if they examine you.

Emergency Medical Situations

What to Do in an Emergency at a Station

1. Call 139 (Indian Railways helpline) — Press the option for medical emergency. They coordinate response.

1. Call 112 (National Emergency Number) — For life-threatening emergencies, this connects to ambulance, police, and fire.

1. Alert RPF (Railway Protection Force) — RPF personnel on platforms can radio for medical help immediately. Every platform at major stations has an RPF booth.

1. Locate the first aid center — Ask any railway staff or look for signage near platform 1.

1. Station master's office — The station master has authority to arrange emergency medical transport and can contact the nearest hospital.

Ambulance Access

Most major stations have ambulance access arrangements with nearby hospitals. The station master or RPF can call an ambulance. Response time varies:

• Metro city stations: 10–20 minutes
• Smaller city stations: 15–30 minutes

Major Hospitals Near Major Stations

Station	Nearest Major Hospital	Distance
New Delhi (NDLS)	RML Hospital	2 km
Mumbai CSMT	GT Hospital	1 km
Howrah	Howrah Government Hospital	1 km
Chennai Central	Government General Hospital	200 meters
Bangalore City	Victoria Hospital	1.5 km
Secunderabad	Railway Hospital, Lallaguda	500 meters
Varanasi	BHU Hospital	5 km
Lucknow	KGMU Hospital	4 km
Patna	PMCH	3 km

On-Train Medical Emergencies

If someone needs medical help while on the train:

1. Pull the alarm chain only as an absolute last resort. Pulling the chain stops the train and delays all passengers. Use it only if someone's life is in immediate danger and the train must stop.

1. Contact the TTE (Ticket Checking Staff). They can radio ahead to arrange medical help at the next station stop.

1. Call 139. The railway helpline can coordinate medical response at the next station.

1. Use the train's first aid box. Every coach has a first aid box with basic supplies. Ask the coach attendant or TTE for access.

1. Ask for a doctor among passengers. On Indian trains with 1000+ passengers, there's often a doctor on board. The TTE can make a PA announcement requesting medical professionals to assist.

Common Health Issues During Train Travel

Motion Sickness

Common on trains, especially in upper berths and on routes with lots of curves (ghat sections, Konkan Railway, mountain railways).

• Prevention: Take meclizine/Avomine before the journey, sit facing the direction of travel, stay hydrated
• Treatment: ORS, anti-nausea medication, fresh air near the door

Dehydration

India's heat + long train journeys = dehydration risk, especially in AC classes where you don't realize how dry the air is.

• Prevention: Carry 2+ liters of water, drink regularly even if not thirsty
• Treatment: ORS (available at station pharmacies and on-train vendors)

Food Poisoning

Platform food that's been sitting out in the heat can cause stomach issues.

• Prevention: Eat hot, freshly cooked food. Avoid cold items, cut fruit, and stale-looking snacks.
• Treatment: ORS for hydration, loperamide for diarrhea (carry in your travel kit), seek medical help if symptoms are severe

Allergies and Asthma

Train journeys involve dust, different climates, and unfamiliar environments.

• Prevention: Carry your regular medication, keep an inhaler accessible
• Treatment: Station first aid centers can provide basic bronchodilator nebulization

Building Your Train Travel Medical Kit

Pack these basics for any Indian train journey:

Item	Why
Paracetamol	Fever, headache, body pain
Ibuprofen	Pain, inflammation
ORS packets (2-3)	Dehydration from heat or stomach issues
Band-aids and antiseptic	Minor cuts
Loperamide (Imodium)	Diarrhea
Antacid tablets	Acidity, indigestion
Any prescription medication	Your regular meds with prescriptions
Sanitizer/wet wipes	Hygiene before eating

This kit handles 90% of common travel health issues and fits in a small pouch.

Using IndianRail.app for Medical Planning

Before your journey, check your route on IndianRail.app to identify which major stations your train stops at. If you have a medical condition, note the stations with longer halts (10+ minutes) where you could access a first aid center if needed. Major junction stops usually have medical facilities.

Helpline Numbers

Number	Service
139	Indian Railways helpline (medical, security, general)
112	National emergency number
108	Ambulance (many states)
1800-111-321	Railway accident helpline

The Bottom Line

Indian railway stations have basic medical infrastructure that's improving year by year. The first aid centers handle common issues, and emergency response coordination through 139 and RPF is functional. But the most important medical resource is the kit you bring yourself. Pack basic medicines, carry enough water, eat sensibly, and you'll handle the vast majority of health situations that arise during train travel in India.