At Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, we place emphasis not only on clinical excellence, but empathy, dignity, and respect for the values which matter most to our patients, and their families.

Recently, an 11-year-old child with a diagnosis of high-grade Brainstem Glioma was brought in under the supervision of Dr. Himanshu Champaneri, Clinical Director – Department of Neurosurgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram. The child underwent a Brain Biopsy and Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Placement and was discharged in stable condition.

However, within a short period after returning home, the child was readmitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), in a state of acute illness, with suspected aspiration pneumonia, sepsis, and further complications of the primary disease. The child was in a critical, life-threatening state, requiring intensive support to maintain normal ventilation and inotropic support to maintain basic function.

During this difficult time, the family expressed a single, heartfelt wish, of wanting to take their child home. The child's fragile state, and the fact that critical brainstem center's were likely to be involved, made this request very difficult to manage. The child needed sophisticated medical care, while in-flight capabilities were restricted to oxygen support only.

Over the next five days, the devoted PICU team worked tirelessly to stabilise the child’s condition, coordinating meticulously with ambulance services, airport medical authorities, and the airline’s onboard medical team. Each clinical and logistical aspect was well-planned and carried out for a safe and respectful transfer.

Due to the relentless perseverance of the multidisciplinary team, the child was safely flown back home. This journey, made by clinical skill, logistical accuracy, and most importantly, compassion - is a moving reminder of our values every day.

At Marengo Asia Hospitals, we are deeply honoured to have played a role in fulfilling this family's final wish. We salute our care teams for their commitment to humanity in healthcare.