Rs 350 Charged for Fake Doctor on Train?
In a recent troubling event, a senior government doctor was reportedly given incorrect medical treatment by an untrained staff member during a train journey. The incident, which took place aboard the New Delhi–Patna Tejas Rajdhani Express, has sparked serious concerns about the quality and monitoring of medical aid available to train passengers in India.
What Happened on the Train?
Dr. Divya, the head of the ophthalmology (eye) department at Bulandshahr District Hospital in Uttar Pradesh, was traveling to Patna on a Saturday night when she began experiencing gastric discomfort. In need of urgent help, she dialed the Indian Railways’ emergency helpline number 139 to request medical assistance.
Soon after, she received a call from a railway official from the Prayagraj division of the North Central Railway (NCR), who informed her that medical assistance could be provided—but at a cost.
Unqualified Staff Administer Wrong Medication
To her surprise, when the train reached Kanpur Central station, the person who arrived to help was not a licensed doctor. Instead, a technical staff member attended to her, even though he was not authorised or trained to treat patients.
According to Dr. Divya, despite her clear symptoms of gastric discomfort, the staff member administered an antibiotic—a medicine that was both inappropriate and unnecessary for her condition. When she identified herself as a senior medical professional and questioned the treatment, the staff member reportedly remained silent but still demanded a payment of ₹350 for the consultation, along with ₹32 for medicines.
Railway’s Official Response
Adding to the concern, Dr. Divya stated that she was not issued any receipt for the ₹350 consultation fee. While she did receive a medicine bill via a messaging app, she claims that despite repeated requests, she was not provided any official documentation or invoice for the so-called medical visit.
Doctor Files Official Complaint
Dr. Divya has since submitted a formal complaint online to both the Railway Board and the NCR authorities. She expressed concern not just for her own experience but for the safety of all passengers, stating, “I have demanded that medical assistance on trains be fair, professional, and transparent. This kind of extortion in the name of healthcare must be stopped.”
Why This Incident Matters
This episode highlights a larger issue—gaps in the railway’s medical services. If trained professionals are not available during emergencies and unqualified staff are allowed to administer drugs without proper diagnosis, the risks to passenger health are serious.
Conclusion
In light of this incident, there is a clear and urgent need to review and strengthen the medical protocols followed by Indian Railways. Trained medical personnel, transparent billing practices, and proper record-keeping must be enforced to protect the health and rights of passengers.
Until such changes are implemented, travellers are advised to carry essential medications and be cautious when accepting treatment onboard.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
