Delhi to Kolkata — Seamless Critical Patient Train Transfer

ICU Train Ambulance Transfer from New Delhi to Kolkata for a Liver Cancer Patient

Transferring a critically ill patient over a long distance requires careful medical judgment, logistical precision, and continuity of care. In this case, a 76-year-old male patient was shifted from ILBS Hospital, New Delhi, to Kolkata through a medically supervised train ambulance transfer, ensuring uninterrupted ICU-level monitoring throughout the journey.

The objective of the transfer was to move the patient safely closer to his home in Kolkata for continued care and family support, while maintaining clinical stability during intercity transport.

Patient’s Clinical Background

The patient had a known medical history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. He was a non-smoker and non-alcoholic, with a recent history of chronic cardiac illness and progressive ascites over the preceding two months.

He initially presented with generalized weakness, persistent fatigue, abdominal distension, and noticeable weight loss. Following clinical evaluation and imaging, he was diagnosed with a space-occupying lesion of the liver, later confirmed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

In September 2025, the patient was admitted to the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, where he underwent ascitic fluid tapping and received HDVIC therapy. After medical stabilization, the treating team and family mutually decided to plan a supervised transfer to Kolkata for further management and comfort-based care.

ICU-Level Train Ambulance Arrangement

Given the patient’s age, underlying conditions, and overall frailty, a train ambulance equipped to function as a mobile ICU was selected as the most appropriate mode of transport for the Delhi to Kolkata route.

The medical configuration during transit included continuous monitoring by a critical care doctor and a trained paramedic, along with cardiac monitoring, oxygen support with backup cylinders, infusion pumps, emergency medications, and suction equipment. An air mattress was provided to reduce discomfort and prevent pressure-related complications during the long journey.

The transfer was executed as a bed-to-bed service, with coordinated ground ambulance support at both ILBS Hospital in New Delhi and the receiving facility in Kolkata. Medical clearances, rail logistics, and on-ground coordination were managed in advance to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted transfer.

Monitoring and Clinical Stability During Transit

Throughout the journey, the patient remained hemodynamically stable. Vital parameters were closely observed, and supportive care was provided as required. The medical team maintained continuous supervision, ensuring timely interventions and patient comfort during the extended rail transit.

The transfer was completed without complications, and the patient was safely handed over to the receiving care team in Kolkata.

Observations from the Case

This case highlights the role of structured medical planning in long-distance patient movement, particularly when dealing with oncology patients and complex comorbidities. Train ambulance services, when appropriately staffed and equipped, allow for stable, cost-effective intercity transfers while maintaining hospital-grade care standards.

For patients requiring relocation from tertiary care centres in Delhi to eastern India, including Kolkata, medically supervised rail transport remains a reliable option when clinical conditions permit.

Closing Note

The successful transfer from ILBS Hospital, New Delhi, to Kolkata underscores the importance of coordinated medical oversight, trained personnel, and continuity of care during intercity patient transport. Every stage—from pre-transfer assessment to in-transit monitoring and final handover—played a critical role in ensuring patient safety and dignity.

Such cases reflect how critical care transport can be aligned with patient needs, clinical prudence, and family priorities, even across long distances.