Bach Mai Hospital staff begin commute by train

Over 500 doctors and staff from Bach Mai Hospital commenced their daily commute by train from Hanoi to its second facility in Phu Ly, Ninh Binh, on the morning of 26/6.

This specialized transport solution ensures the safety and well-being of medical personnel commuting daily between Hanoi and Ha Nam. It also supports the stable operation of the 1,000-bed medical facility, alleviating pressure on the main hospital, stated Professor Dao Xuan Co, Director of Bach Mai Hospital.

Pressing the button to inaugurate the train. Photo: Giang Huy

Pressing the button to inaugurate the train. Photo: Giang Huy

On its inaugural journey, the train, comprising 9 air-conditioned soft-seat carriages, departed punctually at 6h15 from Hanoi station. It picked up passengers at Giap Bat station and arrived at Phu Ly station at 7h22. For the return trip, the train departed from Phu Ly station at 17h20 and reached Hanoi at 18h30. To enhance the 1 hour 10 minute journey, the railway sector provides complimentary light meals and drinks to medical staff. Additionally, shuttle buses are arranged for direct transport from Phu Ly station to the hospital. The operating unit also deployed additional staff at stations to manage passenger flow, reducing boarding and alighting times to ensure punctuality for doctors and staff.

Bach Mai Hospital staff on the train. Photo: Giang Huy

Bach Mai Hospital staff on the train. Photo: Giang Huy

This unique transport model serves only hospital employees and is not available for public sale. With approximately 1,300 personnel requiring daily travel between the two facilities, operating this dedicated train service from monday to friday offers a safe commuting solution for the highly skilled team. Many doctors expressed enthusiasm for the new transport method, noting it helps them avoid fatigue and stress associated with driving themselves or taking road oto, thus ensuring their fitness to best serve patients.

Operating the Phu Ly facility with rotating expert teams from Hanoi is expected to bring advanced, specialized medical services closer to residents of the Southern Red River Delta region. Leadership at Bach Mai Hospital committed that this facility will not only be a center for high-quality medical examination and treatment but also serve as a training and technology transfer hub for lower-level facilities, helping to sustainably enhance local medical capacity.

This initiative represents the second personnel transport linkage model implemented by the railway sector, following the "civil servant train" route connecting Hai Duong and Hai Phong. This approach maximizes the benefits of railway transport while contributing to reduced road traffic congestion and accidents at major urban gateways.