Jharkhand Governor C P Radhakrishnan praised IAS officer Nitin Madan Kulkarni, a qualified medical professional, and another doctor, who came to the rescue of a six-month-old baby experiencing breathing difficulties during a Ranchi-Delhi flight. Kulkarni is currently serving as principal secretary to the Governor.
The incident
Nitin Kulkarni was going to New Delhi on an Indigo flight. When the flight reached an altitude of 30,000ft, the air crew urgently sought medical assistance from any doctor on board.
Kulkarni and one doctor Md Firoze from Ranchi Sadar Hospital swiftly responded to save the child. Kulkarni immediately initiated CPR, stating, “I did what anyone in my position would have done. It's a responsibility we all share as members of society.”
He said that the mother was crying while the baby struggled for breath.
“Dr. Mozammil and I took charge of the baby's care. We had to use an adult mask for oxygen since no baby mask or cannula was available,” explained Dr. Kulkarni.
“After reviewing the medical records, we discovered that the baby had a congenital heart condition known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). They were en route to AIIMS for treatment,” he added.
Dr. Kulkarni administered an injection of Theophylline from the drug kit. Fortunately, the parents had an injection of Dexona with them, which proved to be very helpful.
With the injections and oxygen in place, we monitored the baby's heartbeat using a stethoscope. Unfortunately, the lack of an oximeter made it challenging to assess the baby's oxygen saturation status,” Kulkarni noted.
He emphasized the importance of CPR training, regardless of one's profession, saying, “This incident highlights how crucial it is for everyone to undergo CPR training.” The baby's family, hailing from Hazaribagh, was en route to Delhi for the infant's treatment. Upon landing in Delhi, a medical team took charge of the baby's care, providing necessary oxygen support.
The infant, who suffers from congenital heart disease, developed severe breathing issues, was shifted to AIIMS where the condition is said to be stable.
“Doctors are God sent angles. Today saw one saving a 6 month old baby onboard #Indigo . Dr. Nitin Kulkarni, IAS, governor house @jhar_governor (Jharkhand) took on his role as a doctor and saved the kid. Salute to you sir,” A.S. Deol, who was passenger on the same flight wrote on X.
However, IndiGo is yet to issue statement on the incident.
Who is Nitin Madan Kulkarni ?
Nitin Kulkarni is a 1995 batch IAS officer from Jharkhand cadre. He is presently serving as Principal Secretary to Jharkhand Governor C P Radhakrishnan.
A fitness freak, Kulkarni is also a black belt in Karate. He had earlier served as secretary to health, energy and agriculture departments of Jharkhand before serving as deputy commissioner of East Singhbhum district where he developed interest for karate. His wife Suman Gupta is an IPS officer of Jharkhand cadre from 1997 batch.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
