Did IMA Gujarat and Ahmedabad Medical Association Hold a Condolence Meeting for Doctors Lost in Air India Crash?

Ahmedabad, June 17 (NationPress) The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Gujarat along with the Ahmedabad Medical Association came together on Tuesday to conduct a heartfelt condolence meeting, remembering the ten dedicated doctors who tragically perished in the recent Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad.

Among those lost were five doctors aboard Air India flight AI-171 and five junior doctors who were inside a medical hostel that was struck by the aircraft during the unfortunate incident. This catastrophe is now recognized as one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent Indian history, deeply affecting the medical community at both state and national levels.

The departed physicians include: Dr. Himanshu Shwet, Dr. Hitesh Shah, Dr. Pratik Joshi, Dr. Komi Vyas, Dr. Taskeen Inayatali Syed, Dr. Bhavesh Santa, Dr. Manva Bhadu, Dr. Jaiprakash Chaudhary, Dr. Aryan Rajput, and Dr. Rakesh Dohra. Each of these ten individuals made significant contributions to public health and are being commemorated for their unwavering dedication and passion.

Dr. Mehul Bhai Shah, President of IMA Gujarat State Branch, shared his sentiments with IANS, stating: "This catastrophic event involving the Air India flight has left us in mourning. We gather here today to pay our deepest tributes to the ten courageous doctors who lost their lives in this tragic occurrence. Their absence is not only a personal loss for their families but a profound loss for the entire healthcare community. We have also urged the government to extend financial aid to the families of the deceased."

Dr. Tushar Patel, Treasurer of the Ahmedabad Medical Association, also expressed his sorrow over the loss of the doctors. “We unite in grief and solidarity. Five of our colleagues were on that ill-fated flight, while five others were victims within the hostel building. Their legacy will motivate future generations of doctors,” he told IANS.

In the aftermath of the tragic AI-171 crash en route from Ahmedabad to London, relentless efforts have been made to identify the victims. Gujarat's Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, confirmed that by Tuesday noon, 144 DNA samples had been successfully matched. This identification process is being spearheaded by a collaborative team from the State Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Forensic Sciences University.

Emergency services are tirelessly working at the crash site in Meghaninagar. Personal belongings and human remains continue to be recovered from the wreckage. More than 300 firefighters, backed by 60 fire vehicles and 20 water bowsers from various districts and agencies, are operating around the clock to clear debris and secure the area.

Three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with 150 personnel from the CRPF, the Indian Army, the CISF, the BSF, and the Western Railway Disaster Management team are all meticulously conducting search and recovery operations.

In response to this tragedy, the Tata Group, which regained ownership of Air India in 2022, announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 1 crore for each deceased passenger's family, along with an interim relief of Rs 25 lakh for immediate necessities. The sole survivor from the crash has also been provided with interim relief. Additionally, Tata Group has committed to covering all medical expenses for the injured and will financially assist in the reconstruction of the damaged hostel at BJ Medical College.

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, referred to the tragedy as “one of the darkest days in Tata Group’s history,” reaffirming the company's commitment to support the affected families.