Panaji (Goa): It was a unique experience for the team of Oncology from Manipal Hospital, who performed five cancer surgeries on Lifeline Express, India’s hospital-on-train, which is first-of-its-kind in the world, launched in 1991.

A team of five led by Dr Shekhar Salkar performed surgeries on the patients from Kumta in Karnataka, last month.

The surgeries that were conducted include right alveolus commando, total parotidectomy with redical neck dissection, right hemimandibulectomy with supraomohyoid neck dissection, radical neck dissection and exision of lower lip with estlander flap.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Salkar said that it was a unique experience for him and his team to perform such major surgeries on train. “We are very happy that all the five patients are recovering fast,” he said.

Lifeline Express is a joint initiative of Tata Memorial Hospital, Ministry of Railways and NGO Impact India.