Kolkata, June 27, 2026: ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum has helped script an inspiring story of resilience and hope by enabling 18-year-old NEET aspirant Shrishti Dubey from Liluah, Howrah, to appear for the NEET UG examination on June 21, barely a week after she underwent a complex life-saving surgery, under Dr. Samarth Acharya, Consultant Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeon and Dr. Priyanka Maitra Karak, Consultant Cardiac Anesthesiologist, following a severe road accident.
Through timely medical intervention, advanced critical care, and the dedicated efforts of a multidisciplinary team, ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum played a pivotal role in her recovery, helping her overcome life-threatening injuries and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor despite overwhelming odds.
Shrishti had been preparing for the NEET re-examination. However, on the morning of 14th June, 2026, her dreams were nearly shattered when a speeding heavy vehicle struck her, causing catastrophic injuries. She suffered multiple fractures, including nine broken ribs, a torn left lung, a severed left main bronchus (windpipe), a fractured shoulder, and severe facial injuries.
At ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum, a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Samarth Acharya, Consultant Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeon and Dr. Priyanka Maitra Karak, Consultant Cardiac Anesthesiologist, performed the complex eight-hour emergency surgery to save her life. The procedure involved repairing her severed airway, removing damaged lung tissue and stabilizing seven fractured ribs.
“Shrishti’s injuries were among the most severe trauma cases we have encountered. Immediate intervention was critical. Her recovery has been remarkable and reflects not only medical teamwork but also her extraordinary determination”, said Dr. Samarth Acharya, Consultant Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeon.
Following the surgery, Shrishti’s recovery surpassed expectations. She regained consciousness within 36 hours, began walking on the third day, and soon resumed studying for her examination. Her treatment and rehabilitation involved a dedicated multidisciplinary team including Dr. Mrinmoy Mitra (Pulmonology), Dr. Salil Mallik (Plastic Surgery), Dr. Mridul Tantia (GI Surgery) and Dr. Suresh Kejriwal (Orthopedics). Despite her condition, Shrishti remained resolute. From her hospital bed, she repeatedly expressed her determination to appear for the examination.
Recognizing her firm commitment to appear for the examination, ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum worked closely with her family, examination authorities and law enforcement agencies to facilitate her participation in the exam. Given her critical medical condition and the need for continuous support during transit from the hospital to the examination centre near the airport, a coordinated effort was undertaken involving the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate and Kolkata Police. The authorities arranged a special Green Corridor and provided police escort services throughout the journey to ensure her safe and timely passage.
ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum also expresses its sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Education Minister of India, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and all concerned officials for their prompt support and compassionate intervention in helping facilitate Shrishti’s appearance in the NEET UG examination despite her critical medical condition. Their encouragement, understanding and swift coordination with the concerned authorities played a vital role in ensuring that a deserving student did not lose an important opportunity because of an unforeseen tragedy.
On June 21, accompanied by a nursing team and supported by supplemental oxygen, Shrishti reached the examination centre at Binodini Girls’ School around 11:45 AM and successfully appeared for the NEET UG examination without any complications.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Shrishti’s father, Mr. Shreeram Shiwji Dubey, expressed his gratitude to the medical team, saying, “The doctors and caregivers at ILS Hospitals, Dum Dum gave my daughter a second chance at life. Despite everything she went through, she never gave up on her dream. We will always be grateful for the care and support we received.”
Shrishti’s remarkable journey from a critical care unit to an examination hall within a week stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of timely, expert medical intervention.
