Medical community mourns irreplaceable loss; Tata Group announces ₹1 crore compensation per victim
Ahmedabad: In the aftermath of one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s recent history, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Gujarat and the Ahmedabad Medical Association jointly held a condolence meeting on Tuesday to honour ten doctors who lost their lives in the tragic Air India flight AI‑171 crash in Ahmedabad.
The deceased include five doctors who were passengers on the London-bound flight and five junior doctors who were residing inside a medical hostel building that was struck by the crashing aircraft.
Remembering the Departed
The following doctors were among those who perished:
- 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
- Dr. Rakesh Dohra
Each of them, dedicated to public health and medical service, is being mourned by colleagues, families, and the larger medical fraternity.
Medical Community in Mourning
Dr. Mehul Bhai Shah, President of IMA Gujarat, expressed deep sorrow:
“Their loss is not just a personal tragedy but a blow to the entire healthcare community. We have urged the government to provide financial aid to the bereaved families.”
Dr. Tushar Patel, Treasurer of the Ahmedabad Medical Association, said:
“Five of our colleagues were travelling, and five more were caught in the hostel building. Their memories will continue to guide and inspire young doctors in their journey.”
Identification and Relief Efforts
As of Tuesday, 144 DNA matches have been successfully completed by a team from the State Forensic Science Laboratory and National Forensic Sciences University, according to Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi.
The search and recovery operations at the Meghaninagar crash site are being conducted with full intensity. Over 300 firefighters, assisted by 60 fire vehicles, 20 water bowsers, and support from NDRF, CRPF, CISF, BSF, the Indian Army, and Western Railway’s Disaster Management Team, continue to clear debris and recover remains.
Tata Group Extends Financial Aid
In a major relief measure, Tata Group, which owns Air India, announced:
- ₹1 crore ex gratia to the families of each deceased passenger
- ₹25 lakh interim relief for immediate needs
- Full medical expenses for the injured
- Reconstruction of the damaged hostel at BJ Medical College
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, called the event “one of the darkest days in Tata Group’s history” and assured full support to the affected families.
