Medical body urges Tata Group to aid students affected by Ahmedabad plane crash

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) of the Gujarat State Branch has formally appealed to N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, to extend financial assistance and support to medical students who were either injured or lost their lives in the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The flight, AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, tragically crashed into a resident doctors' hostel building at the premises of the BJ Medical College shortly after takeoff on June 12, resulting in significant casualties among those on board and on the ground.

In its letter, the IMA acknowledged Air India's previous announcement of ₹1 crore compensation to the families of deceased passengers and Tata Group's support for the renovation of the BJMC college hostel. However, the medical body emphasized the unique plight of the students, stating, "These individuals were not only victims but also future pillars of our healthcare system, and their well-being and families deserve similar care and support." The IMA earnestly requested immediate declaration of similar help for the medical students, urging compassionate and urgent consideration.

Meanwhile, investigations into the devastating crash are intensifying. Officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have arrived at the site, and the US-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is preparing to send a team to assist in the probe. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that a formal investigation is underway. Additionally, the Indian government has constituted a high-level multidisciplinary committee, chaired by the Union Home Secretary, to examine the causes of the crash and recommend preventive measures, including comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for future incident management. This panel, with access to all relevant records, is expected to submit its report within three months.