The U.S. is considering granting an emergency visa for Nilam Shinde’s relatives, as she remains in a coma following a serious road accident on February 14 in California. Shinde, a 35-year-old student at California State University, suffered multiple fractures and underwent brain surgery. Her family applied for a visa 48 hours after the incident, but it has been pending since, with the earliest appointment available for next year. The External Affairs Ministry has formally requested assistance, emphasizing the need for family members to help with Shinde’s medical decisions. Local police are investigating the accident, with the driver in custody.
New Delhi:
The United States is currently considering the possibility of issuing an emergency visa for the family members of Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old woman who has been in a coma in a California hospital following a road accident on February 14, as reported by NDTV on Thursday afternoon.
Here are the top 10 points in this significant story:
- The Americas Division of the External Affairs Ministry has contacted the US to formally address the situation and request assistance. Sources indicate that travel permits for medical emergencies are typically processed rapidly. However, the cause of the delay in this case remains unclear.
- Ms. Shinde, a student at California State University, sustained severe injuries, including multiple fractures, after being struck from behind by a vehicle on February 14.
- Her family submitted a visa application 48 hours later, but it has yet to be processed. Ms. Shinde’s uncle, Kadam Shinde, informed NDTV that the earliest appointment available is not until next year.
- According to her family, the accident left Ms. Shinde with broken bones in both arms and legs, necessitating emergency brain surgery, for which consent was obtained from the hospital administration. Reports suggest she has remained in a coma since the procedure.
- In a statement released on February 16, the university mentioned that Ms. Shinde “is in critical condition with an uncertain prognosis and is receiving care in the Intensive Care Unit.” The university also expressed its support for the family’s request for travel permits.
- “The patient’s father needs to collaborate with the UC Davis Medical Centre care team for making critical medical decisions regarding Ms. Shinde’s care. Due to her injuries and current intubation on life support, she is unable to communicate…”
- Sources told NDTV that the US does issue ’emergency’ visas when a family member is gravely ill or deceased. This process necessitates a written statement from a doctor, who may request the American government to prioritize visa interview appointments for applicants in their home country. Nonetheless, there are limited spots for expedited or emergency visa applications.
- This unfortunate incident gained public attention only this week after NCP MP Supriya Sule highlighted Ms. Shinde’s dire condition and the distress of her family, particularly since her mother passed away from brain cancer last year. “This is an urgent issue. We must come together to resolve it,” she remarked to NDTV, urging the External Affairs Ministry for assistance. Subsequently, Ms. Shinde’s family has been contacted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office.
- Local authorities are investigating the accident, and the driver of the vehicle that struck Ms. Shinde is currently in custody. However, due to her medical circumstances, it is believed that there are legal complications in proceeding with the case without the presence of a blood relative.
- Nilam Shinde, pursuing a Master of Science degree, has been in the US for the past four years.
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