Pothole-ridden Indore–Khandwa highway triggers airlift of elderly woman:Doctors cited severe spine risk on damaged route, political backing expediting transfer to SSH, Indore

A 73-year-old woman from Khandwa district was flown to Indore on Tuesday after doctors warned that travelling by road on the under-construction Khandwa–Indore highway could aggravate her spinal injuries. The unusual use of the PM Shri Air Ambulance service, typically reserved for high-risk, emergency patients, has drawn attention to both the region’s poor road conditions and the accessibility of air medical transfers. Why the airlift was ordered Doctors handling the case said the woman, Tarabai of Shahpura village in Khandwa district, has been suffering from persistent back pain for months after falling on the floor. Recent tests indicated deterioration in her spine and symptoms of paralysis. With the highway riddled with deep potholes, the medical team ruled out an ambulance journey and sought an air evacuation from the Khandwa airstrip to Indore. Health officials said her Ayushman card made the transfer free of cost. She was admitted to Indore’s Super Speciality Hospital, where a detailed neurosurgical evaluation is underway. Questions over access The decision has prompted debate among health workers, who say several critical patients await the service but struggle with approvals. Though Tarabai’s condition is not deemed immediately life-threatening, the transfer was cleared quickly, reportedly with the support of a local political representative. Doctors in Indore said surgery, if required, will be scheduled later this week after further tests. Family hardship Tarabai, who lost both her sons and earns her living through domestic work, expressed gratitude for the assistance. I never imagined I would travel by air. I’m thankful that my treatment is being taken seriously. she said. Air Ambulance proving boon Officials pointed out that this is the second high-profile air transfer in recent months. In September, 20-year-old accident victim Sanskriti Verma was airlifted from Indore to Mumbai due to severe infection risk. Medical assessment of the woman Khandwa Medical College superintendent Dr Ranjit Badole said the patient showed signs of worsening weakness in her legs and required urgent assessment. Neurosurgery HoD Dr OP Lekhra added that preliminary scans suggest possible bone degeneration and further investigation is expected in the next few days.