Thousands of patients thronged Gauripur railway station here to avail of free medical services provided by Lifeline Express, reportedly the world’s first hospital on wheels, set up jointly by Impact India Foundation, an NGO, the Indian Railways and the Union ministry of health.

The initiative was inaugurated by Dhubri deputy commissioner Ananta Lal Gyani and Impact India Foundation trustee Rohini Chowgule on Saturday.

The Lifeline Express, popularly known as the Hospital Train, arrived here last week. It will remain stationed at platform No. 3, about 10km from the Dhubri district headquarters, till February 8, officials said.

“We registered the names of about 400 patients on the first day. The response is good and we hope the number of patients will increase from tomorrow. We provide diagnostic, medical and advanced surgical treatment free of cost to people. Treatment for oral, breast and cervical cancer is also provided in the train,” Chowgule said.

Gyani urged the district residents to avail of the healthcare facilities.

“Lifeline Express has been brought at Dhubri on a priority basis to provide healthcare facilities to those who hail from remote villages and the sar areas,” he said.

The train, also known as Jeevan Rekha, has been providing healthcare facilities to people, especially to residents in far-flung areas since 1991.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd has extended its full financial support to organise a big medical camp on wheels at Gauripur station.