Former Karnataka MLA Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar Performs Life-Saving CPR on American Passenger During Flight

The American woman was transported to a hospital by ambulance after the flight landed in Delhi.

Former Congress MLA and physician Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar performed life-saving CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on an American woman during a Goa-New Delhi flight, earning widespread commendation including from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The emergency occurred approximately ten minutes after takeoff from Goa on Saturday afternoon, December 13, when a 34-year-old American woman named Jenny lost consciousness and her pulse stopped. Dr. Nimbalkar, who was traveling on the same flight, immediately recognized the critical situation and administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Throughout the entire flight, Dr. Nimbalkar reportedly remained beside the patient, continuously monitoring her medical condition and providing comfort. Upon arrival in Delhi, the foreign passenger was immediately transferred to a hospital via ambulance, as reported by PTI.

A social media post on X praised the doctor's actions: "In a world full of headlines, this one restores faith in humanity. Ex-Karnataka Congress MLA Anjali Nimbalkar, a doctor by profession, saved the life of an American co-passenger mid-air on a Goa–Delhi flight. When the passenger collapsed, lost her pulse, and time was running out, Dr. Nimbalkar stepped in and performed CPR, bringing her back to life thousands of feet above the ground. No cameras. No politics. Just duty, courage, and compassion."

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his admiration on X, stating he was "deeply moved and incredibly proud" of Nimbalkar's "remarkable presence of mind and compassion." He observed that despite having moved away from medical practice to focus on her political career, "the doctor within her responded without a second thought."

He continued: "Whether in power or not, people like Anjali, who step up without expecting anything in return to provide whatever help they can when it comes to public service, serve as a model for society. I pray to God to grant Anjali a long life and good health, so that more lives in distress can receive even greater help from her."

In response to the praise, Nimbalkar humbly stated she had merely fulfilled her professional obligation as a physician. "Thank you Sir for your appreciation and kind words. It also my job and duty as a doctor to serve in this capacity whenever required. Means a lot coming from you, who himself is an example of social commitment," she replied.

Currently, Nimbalkar serves as the AICC secretary co-incharge of Goa, Daman & Diu, and Dadra Nagar Haveli.