Hello dear friends,
I’m Dr. Ashok Kumar, and today I’d like to share another real-life story from Ashoka Rescue, showcasing a recent medical repatriation we handled — from Mumbai, India (Lilavati Hospital) to Moscow, Russia.
This case highlights how regional conflicts and flight restrictions can complicate timely medical evacuation for patients in need. Limited flight availability, lack of seats, and complex airline protocols often delay urgent transport for those who need it most.
📅 The Case: Medical Repatriation – 4th May 2025
We received a query on May 4, 2025, for medical evacuation from Mumbai to Moscow. Due to limited airline options and non-availability of business class seats, we faced a few operational hurdles — but successfully completed the mission.
🧑⚕️ The Patient: 32-Year-Old Female Tourist
- The patient, a 32-year-old Russian woman, had arrived in India as a tourist.
- Unfortunately, she slipped by the roadside and sustained a serious neck injury.
- She was immediately taken to Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, where after diagnostic tests (X-ray, CT scan, MRI), she was diagnosed with:
C2 Cervical Spine Fracture – Bilateral PARS Interarticularis with a chip fracture of the C2 vertebral body and transverse process.
Thankfully, she had no neurological deficits, and was admitted under the care of a neurosurgeon for conservative treatment and observation.
Due to complaints of neck pain during minor movement, she was fitted with a Philadelphia cervical collar to stabilize her neck.
📲 How We Got Involved
A family friend of the patient contacted us through our website (www.ashokarescue.com) and also sent a message via WhatsApp to our official number (+91 9818933004).
Our team quickly coordinated with the treating doctor at Lilavati Hospital to assess the patient’s medical condition.
🌐 Language Barrier & Emotional Distress
- The patient was without any companion, uninsured, and dealing with a language barrier in a foreign country.
- She was distressed and felt helpless.
- Fortunately, one of our Russian-speaking medical escort doctors was available to bridge the communication gap, offering her emotional and medical support.
✈️ Travel Assessment & Planning
Initially, the patient was advised to travel as a stretcher case. However, the cost was beyond her affordability. Since she was able to walk unassisted to the toilet, our medical escort doctor and the treating neurosurgeon agreed she could travel:
- As a wheelchair case in business class
- With a cervical collar, medical escort, and oxygen backup
Our logistics team promptly applied for medical clearance with the airline as per protocol. It usually takes 4–5 working days for airlines to arrange special services and assess a MEDIF (Medical Information Form).
✈️ Airline Challenges & Resolution
Due to limited flights between India and Russia, seat availability was a serious challenge. Most flights were fully booked.
Our logistics team made direct appeals to the airline, requesting priority clearance for this medical case. The airline responded positively, and on the fifth day, we secured a business class seat and medical clearance.
🚑 Final Execution: Smooth & Safe Transfer
- An ambulance was arranged to shift the patient from Lilavati Hospital to Mumbai Airport, 3 hours before departure.
- The airline ground staff was well-prepared, waiting with a wheelchair.
- She was given priority check-in and transferred to the lounge in comfort.
- Throughout the flight and transit, the patient was stable and comfortable, reporting no pain or discomfort.
- Upon arrival in Moscow, she was received by her family safely.
📝 Important Takeaways
- Tourists should never travel without valid travel insurance — it’s essential for medical emergencies.
- Be cautious of local road and traffic conditions in any foreign country.
- Have patience, trust, and financial readiness if you’re traveling without insurance. Unexpected medical events can be costly.
👋 Final Words
We at Ashoka Rescue are proud to serve patients with compassion, speed, and medical integrity — even during complex and constrained situations. Until next time…
Be wise. Stay healthy. Stay secure. Warm regards,
Dr. Ashok Kumar
Founder, Ashoka Rescue
www.ashokarescue.com
+91 9818933004