Neelam Shinde critical after Sacramento road accident.
Comatose Indian student’s family granted emergency visa
Comatose Indian Student’s Family Gets Emergency Visa to Visit Her in US Hospital
Pune: The family of Neelam Tanaji Shinde, a postgraduate medical student from Maharashtra, has been granted an emergency visa to travel to the United States to be with their critically injured daughter. Shinde, who hails from Umbraj in the Satara district, has been in a coma following a severe road accident in California on February 14.
Her father, Tanaji Shinde, confirmed the development on Friday, expressing gratitude to both the Maharashtra and Central governments for their swift intervention.
“We Got the Visa, We Are Going Tomorrow”
The family had initially faced a major hurdle in securing a visa to travel to the US. After applying for one, they were given an appointment slot for next year, which would have meant a heartbreaking delay in seeing their daughter. Realizing the urgency of the situation, they turned to the media and politicians, making desperate appeals for an emergency visa.
Following the intervention of Baramati MP Supriya Sule, former Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Patil, and Atul Bhosale MLA, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stepped in and ensured an expedited US visa appointment for the family.
Neelam Shinde’s Tragic Accident and Critical Condition
Neelam Shinde has been living in the US for the past four years, pursuing postgraduate medical studies. On the evening of February 14, she was returning from a walk when she was hit by a car in Sacramento, California. The impact left her with severe injuries, and she was rushed to the intensive care unit of a local hospital.
Her family in India was informed of the accident two days later by Neelam’s roommates. “The police admitted her to the hospital, and her roommates informed us on February 16. They told us that she had met with a huge accident,” recalled her uncle, Sanjay Kadam.
Shinde’s injuries are reportedly critical, and she remains in a coma. The hospital authorities reached out to the family, seeking their permission for brain surgery. Unable to be by her side, the family was left helpless and distressed, fearing the worst.
Desperate Efforts to Reach the US
Once they received the news, the Shinde family immediately applied for a visa. However, the initial appointment date assigned to them was for next year, a delay that would have prevented them from being with Neelam during her most critical hours. Realizing they had no time to waste, the family sought help from local politicians and the media, hoping their pleas would reach the right authorities.
Supriya Sule, a prominent MP from Maharashtra, took up their case and worked with the MEA to expedite the visa process. Along with former minister Balasaheb Patil and MLA Atul Bhosale, they ensured that the family’s application was prioritized, ultimately securing them an urgent interview slot.
Family’s Emotional Wait to See Their Daughter
For the Shinde family, the past few days have been agonizing. Every moment spent away from Neelam has deepened their anxiety. The family remains deeply concerned about her condition, hoping their presence will offer her the strength to fight for her life.
With their visa issues resolved, Neelam’s parents are now preparing for their journey to the US. They will be flying out on Saturday, determined to stand by their daughter as she battles for survival.
A Wake-Up Call for Faster Emergency Procedures
Neelam Shinde’s case has highlighted the challenges faced by Indian families seeking emergency visas to visit critically ill relatives abroad. While the intervention of political leaders expedited the process, not all families in similar situations have access to such support. Many argue that there should be a more streamlined procedure for granting emergency visas, particularly in cases involving life-threatening medical emergencies.
This incident also serves as a reminder of the risks faced by students studying abroad. While young Indians travel to foreign countries in pursuit of higher education and better career prospects, unforeseen tragedies like these can leave their families struggling with logistical and bureaucratic hurdles.
What Happens Next?
As Neelam’s family rushes to be by her side, doctors in Sacramento continue to monitor her condition. The next few days will be crucial in determining her chances of recovery. The family’s arrival will not only provide emotional support but also help make crucial medical decisions regarding her treatment.
Meanwhile, their well-wishers in India continue to pray for her recovery. Politicians who helped expedite the visa process have also assured the family of further support if needed.
For now, Neelam’s parents are focused on reaching her hospital as soon as possible, hoping to see their daughter open her eyes again.