By allowing 18-year-old NEET candidate Ms. Shrishti Dubey from Liluah, Howrah, to take the NEET UG exam on June 21, just one week after undergoing a difficult, life-saving procedure under the care of consultant cardiac anesthesiologist Dr. Priyanka Maitra Karak and consultant cardiothoracic & vascular surgeon Dr. Samarth Acharya, ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum.

ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum, played a crucial part in her recovery, assisting her in overcoming life-threatening injuries and pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor despite insurmountable obstacles through prompt medical intervention, cutting-edge critical care, and the committed efforts of a multidisciplinary team.

Shrishti had been getting ready for the NEET retest. But on June 14, 2026, early in the morning, a speeding heavy car hit her, severely injuring her, almost shattering her dreams. Nine broken ribs, a torn left lung, a severed left main bronchus (windpipe), a fractured shoulder, and serious facial injuries were among the numerous fractures she sustained.

A multidisciplinary team at ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum, under the direction of Dr. Samarth Acharya, a consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, and Dr. Priyanka Maitra Karak, a consultant cardiac anesthesiologist, carried out the difficult eight-hour emergency procedure to save her life. Her severed airway had to be repaired, lung tissue had to be removed, and seven broken ribs had to be stabilized.

Shrishti recovered better than anticipated after the surgery. After regaining consciousness within 36 hours, she started walking on the third day and quickly went back to studying for her test. A committed multidisciplinary team comprising Dr. Suresh Kejriwal (Orthopedics), Dr. Salil Mallik (Plastic Surgery), Dr. Mridul Tantia (GI Surgery), and Dr. Mrinmoy Mitra (Pulmonology) treated and rehabilitated her. Shrishti was unwavering despite her illness. She repeatedly stated from her hospital bed that she was determined to show up for the test.

ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum, collaborated closely with her family, examination authorities, and law enforcement agencies to enable her to take the test after realizing how determined she was to do so. A coordinated effort involving the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, and Kolkata Police was undertaken due to her critical medical condition and the need for ongoing support during her journey from the hospital to the examination center near the airport. To ensure her safe and prompt passage, the authorities established a special Green Corridor and provided a police escort during the trip.

ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum, also extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Hon’ble Education Minister of India, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and all relevant officials for their timely assistance and kind intervention in enabling Shrishti to take the NEET UG exam in spite of her serious medical condition. Their support, empathy, and quick coordination with the relevant authorities were crucial in preventing a worthy student from missing out on a significant opportunity due to an unanticipated tragedy.

Around 11:45 AM on June 21, Shrishti arrived at the Binodini Girls’ School examination center with the help of a nursing team and extra oxygen. She appeared for the NEET UG exam without any issues.

Shrishti’s incredible journey from a critical care unit to an examination hall in just one week is a potent illustration of both the power of prompt, skilled medical intervention and the human spirit’s tenacity.

Priyanka Dutta