Andaman: Unable to airlift accident victim to Chennai hospital
family makes desperate calls for help
Port Blair: The family of a young man battling for life after a road accident in Andaman is desperately seeking urgent medical evacuation to Chennai, but bureaucratic hurdles and lack of immediate stretcher facilities have left them helpless.
The accident took place on Friday at Tushnabad, Andaman, when a speeding SSV Transport bus collided with the victim, causing severe injuries. The man, who remains unconscious for over 24 hours, has suffered a serious head injury and is currently receiving treatment at GB Pant Hospital in Port Blair. Doctors have stated that the next 48 hours are critical and have recommended shifting him to Chennai for advanced medical care. However, the family has been struggling to find an immediate way to transport him.
One of the victim’s relatives, Shahrukh Sayed, took to social media platform X on Saturday, pleading for urgent help. In his post, he expressed shock at the lack of immediate airlift options for stretcher patients from Andaman. He tagged various government authorities, airlines, politicians, and celebrities, hoping that someone would intervene and help with the medical evacuation.
According to Sayed, IndiGo Airlines informed the family that it would take at least 48 hours after payment and necessary formalities, and even then, it would be subject to seat availability. Meanwhile, Air India Express' website mentioned that their process could take 72 hours, but the family has reportedly received no response from the airline's customer care or staff at the Port Blair (IXZ) airport counter.
Air India, which previously offered stretcher facilities, has completely discontinuedthe service, leaving the family with even fewer options. Akasa Air, another airline operating in the region, does not offer stretcher facilities at all.
The family, in their desperate search for solutions, learned that another patient was shifted to Chennai on a stretcher via IndiGo Airlines, but only after a painstaking process that took 10 days of intensive follow-ups before approval was granted. The victim’s relatives are devastated as they do not have that much time and require immediate assistance.
“We need urgent help NOW. We have already started the medical documentation process, but time is running out. If anyone can help arrange an emergency medical transfer, please contact me immediately,” Sayed wrote in his plea.
He tagged prominent figures such as actors Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sonu Sood, as well as Andaman-based politicians and organizations. Calls have also been made to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, Airport Authority of India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Office, urging them to intervene.
As of now, no concrete solution has been found. The family continues to appeal for immediate action, hoping that authorities or organizations specializing in medical evacuation will step in before it is too late.
URGENT HELP NEEDED
— Shahrukh Sayed (@Shahrukh_333) March 1, 2025
My cousin brother met with an accident yesterday at Tushnabad, #Andaman when a speeding SSV Transport bus collided him. He has suffered a head injury and is currently unconscious for the past 24+ hours at #GBPantHospital, #PortBlair. Doctors have advised that…
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Rupee falls 7 paise to 90.96 against the US dollar in early trade
Mumbai (PTI): The rupee fell by 7 paise to 90.96 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, weighed down by a rise in global crude oil prices and a stronger greenback.
A poor start to the domestic equity markets further pressured the local unit, but FII inflows provided support, preventing a sharp fall, forex traders said.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 90.91 against the US dollar and slipped further to 90.96, down 7 paise from its previous close.
The rupee gained 5 paise to settle at 90.89 against the US dollar on Monday.
"The Reserve Bank might be intervening to keep the rupee away from 91.00 levels, but the buying will itself allow it to go beyond 91.00 levels," Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director, Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP, said.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.11 per cent higher at 97.81.
"The dollar index was higher amid a repositioning... It faces headwinds from (US President Donald) Trump's 15 per cent global tariffs announcement after the unfavourable Supreme Court ruling," Bhansali said.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose sharply by 0.85 per cent to USD 72.10 per barrel.
On the domestic equity market front, the Sensex tumbled 525.29 points to 82,769.37 in early trade, while the Nifty went down 145.85 points to 25,567.15.
On Monday, foreign institutional investors purchased equities worth Rs 3,483.70 crore, according to exchange data.
