BJ Medical College cancels MBBS tests after AI-171 plane crash damages hostel; more than 200 students return home

Following the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 plane crash near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, which hit a hostel that accommodates medical students, B.J. Medical College (BJMC) has decided to cancel all existing and future internal tests for MBBS students.

The college has also canceled the summer break for all the medical faculty and doctors and requested them to help in the treatment of the injured.

The move will impact more than 500 students, mainly the first and second year students, who were residing in the building that was struck by the Boeing Dreamliner.

Over 200 students, including MBBS residents, have left their hostels and gone back home in trauma and fear.

Sources in the college said at least 40 students who were on the spot when the accident happened are still in a state of shock and trauma.

The exams will be postponed after students recover from the psychological trauma, officials added.

"In view of the present psychological and emotional condition of our students, and the logistical inconvenience brought about by the destruction of the mess-cum-hostel building, all in-house theory and practical exams are put off until further notice," a BJMC senior official confirmed.

The mess building, where students' hostel as well as the dining area were located, was hit squarely by the aircraft wing when it crashed.

With the chaos located on the second and first floors, residents and interns have been left without the availability of regular meals and basic facilities.

In a similar development, the college has also canceled the summer break for all medical staff and physicians.

The second half of the summer recess was to commence from June 13, but all medical personnel have now been ordered to join duty from June 14.

It has been done in consideration of the emergency medical requirements following the aircraft crash and the treatment of injured victims at Civil Hospital where BJMC doctors are on night shifts.

While Vijay Rupani's son Rishabh Rupani had come to Gandhinagar from the United States on Saturday, his wife Anjali Rupani arrived from London on Friday on a special chartered flight.

Other senior BJP leaders like Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, and some party members and relatives have also been reaching the Gandhinagar residence of the family to pay their condolences.

The party sources have said that the late leader will be given the last rites in his hometown, Rajkot