Every Agency Stepped In To Support Affected Students

Dr Minakshi Parekh, dean of the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad that lost at least four students in the Air India flight 171 crash, shares details of the ground situation, ongoing relief efforts, and the emotional toll on students and families in an interview to Prawesh Lama.

- Prawesh Lama

AHMEDABAD: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner hit the medical college's hostel buildings and dining halls on June 12, leaving four hostel buildings' facade charred, and the two mess buildings partially collapsed.

Edited excerpts:

What is the current situation at the college?

Every agency has stepped in to support the affected students. Rooms have been arranged for all students, while food is now being provided at the postgraduate mess since the undergraduate mess was destroyed. Resident doctors have been moved to vacant flats and temporary accommodations, including those provided by the Lions Club.

NGOs and private hospitals, too, have come forward offering free treatment to injured students. Every student and resident doctor has been accommodated, and our medical students are actively helping families—providing counselling and assisting with blood sample collection.

There were reports of a scarcity of rooms at the hospital. How is that being handled?