Gujarat govt facilitates airlift of patient from Ahmedabad to Telangana

Hyderabad: In a display of remarkable sensitivity and proactive measures, Rushikesh Patel, Minister of Health & Family Welfare of Gujarat, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, demonstrated compassion and swiftly intervened to address the critical situation of a 21-year-old student hailing from Telangana, who encountered severe health complications post-cancer treatment in Gujarat.

The 21-year-old Rastriya Raksha University student Pochampally Jayanth, residing in Narsapur of Medak district combating blood cancer, rides through Hyperleukocytosis, unconsciousness, seizure, brain hemorrhage surgery and infections. 

The patient was brought to the Apollo Hospital in an unconscious condition with a history of seizure. Initial evaluation revealed Hyperleukocytosis (WBC count: 450,000/cmm, Normal being 4000 to 11000), a space-occupying lesion and hemorrhage in the left side of the brain.

He was diagnosed with Blood cancer (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia) complicated by Leukocytosis (sludging of blood flow secondary to very high WBC count) affecting the brain and lungs. Emergency treatment given included Leukapheresis (Removal of WBC with machine), anticancer therapy, blood transfusion, supportive care, and ventilatory support.

A craniotomy surgery was performed to address the pressure effect on the brain due to the space-occupying lesion & hemorrhage.

 His course faced challenges with coagulation abnormalities (bleeding problems), Infections (Recurrent lower respiratory tract infections, Bacterial, Fungal infections) and pneumothorax, leading to prolonged ICU stay with critical care and a tracheotomy procedure.

His treatment warranted a multi-disciplinary approach which was spearheaded by Lt Gen (Dr) Velu Nair (Senior Consultant, and Head of the Hematology department supported by Dr Vijaykumar Shirure (Hematologist), Dr. Somesh Desai (Neurosurgeon), Dr. Sanjay Shah (Emergency Department), Dr. Maharshi Desai (Critical Care Specialist), Dr. Rajesh Vishwakarma (ENT Specialist), Dr Sanjay Gupta (Transfusion Medicine). Together, the team at Apollo Hospital provided comprehensive care for his complex medical journey.

Currently, his blood cancer is under good control, he’s conscious and free from seizures, infections, ventilator support, and blood transfusions. The patient is on the path to recovery, addressing neurological deficits through neurorehabilitation. Recognizing the financial strain on the family, the Minister assured total assistance and promptly provided immediate guidance and support to facilitate the patient’s airlift to Telangana.

Swiftly, the medical and support teams collaborated for all possible help, and with the Minister’s emotional and financial support and with assistance from the Office of the Minister of Civil Aviation, the patient and his family flew to his hometown at 12.15 am on January 3, 2024. The patient was then safely admitted to the NIMS at Hyderabad at around 4 am and is currently in stable condition.

When the situation was stabilized, the Minister again spoke with the patient’s relatives via video call and enquired about the patient’s and his family’s well-being. During the conversation, the patient’s relatives expressed their gratitude to the Gujarat government. This case exemplifies the commitment of the Government of Gujarat to addressing health-related challenges and assisting the patient in any manner possible in Gujarat.