The world's first hospital on train-Lifeline Express, is all set to come to Lonavala from February 16- March 20. This is the seventh time that the Lifeline Express is coming to Maharashtra.The project aims at providing free medical care to underprivileged staying in the areas of Maval and Mulshi talukas, which have a population of around 4.5 lakh.

The four-coach train is well equipped with sophisticated medical and surgical facilities to provide on the spot diagnostic, medical and surgical treatment. The project is being brought by Tata Power, Impact India, Indian Railways and supported by Pune Zilla Parishad and Lonavala Municipal Corporation and other NGOs.

The Lifeline Express would give free medical aid to the patients in four areas viz. Cataract, post polio surgeries, corrective surgeries and ENT. Patients will be provided free lodging and boarding during the treatment. Besides surgeries, there will also be a general OPD treatment facility for the patients from Feb16 to March 20.

District Health Officer, Pune, Dr. B.D. Nanaware said,`` We are in the process of screening all the patients in the government hospitals who can be sent to Lifeline for the treatment'', and further added that the two day screening process of the patients has already started.

Managing Director of Tata Power, F. A. Vandrevala, said over 2000 patients are expected to receive treatment and around 800 surgeries are to be performed. He further informed that already, 1000 people have registered for treatment. The registration process is being done at all primary health centres, besides the main office at Lonavala. Transport arrangements for the patients would also be made.

``There is an overwhelming response from eminent doctors from Pune and Mumbai who will be voluntarily rendering their services. Each doctor will be spending two days,'' stated Vandrevala.

Amongst the NGOs, Rotary Club Khandala will provide the needed assistance to reach out to the villagers and make other necessary arrangements. Till now, in its 58 projects, since July 1991, more than 3.6 lakh people have benefited from this project.