Manipur doctor saves young woman passenger on Air India’s Tokyo-Delhi flight

Imphal: A doctor from Manipur’s Senapati district saved the life of a 21-year-old passenger during a mid-air medical emergency on an Air India flight from Tokyo to New Delhi.

Dr Loni Lirina, a critical care specialist at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital in Imphal, was on board the flight when a young woman began experiencing severe breathing difficulties.

Following an announcement by the flight crew requesting medical assistance, Dr Lirina promptly attended to the passenger.

Upon examination, she immediately recommended oxygen support, nebulisation, and essential medications to stabilise the patient’s condition.

Thanks to her swift and decisive intervention, the woman’s condition improved significantly within 30 minutes, eliminating the need for an emergency landing.

The flight subsequently landed safely in New Delhi, with the passenger reported to be in stable condition.

According to Dr Lirina, the passenger had a history of childhood asthma but had not been on medication for several years.

“Upon examination, the patient was in severe respiratory distress, with a heart rate exceeding 160 beats per minute, low blood pressure, and oxygen saturation at 80 per cent of room air. By the grace of God, after administering the medicine, the young woman stabilised,” she said in a video message.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised Dr Lirina for her timely and life-saving intervention. Taking to X, the Chief Minister wrote: “A life saved is a testament to both skill and compassion.”

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr Loni Lirina of Senapati District, Manipur, a Critical Care Physician at the American Oncology Institute, Babina Specialty Hospital, for her exemplary courage and timely medical intervention in saving the life of a 21-year-old passenger who experienced severe chest pain and breathlessness onboard an Air India flight from Tokyo to Delhi. Her swift response, clinical excellence, and unwavering commitment to the noble profession reflect the highest ideals of medical service,” he said.

The Chief Minister further added that such acts of humanity and professionalism bring immense pride to Manipur and serve as an inspiration to all.

“I convey my deep gratitude and commend her for this remarkable act of service,” he said.

IANS