- AMA, AFPA renew their decade-plus humanitarian commitment with ‘Doctor on Call’ initiative from November 7 to 13
- Free telephonic primary medical advice and emergency guidance to help citizens navigate health concerns during the festive holidays
- Dedicated team of six doctors to coordinate calls and connect patients with appropriate medical specialists whenever required
- Initiative bridges the healthcare access gap when regular clinics operate on holiday schedules, bringing reassurance to families across Ahmedabad
- AMA and AFPA reaffirm their longstanding commitment to community healthcare through a voluntary medical service spanning more than a decade
NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 5
Amid the lights, festivities and family celebrations of Diwali, a medical emergency can turn a joyous occasion into a moment of anxiety. Ensuring that no Ahmedabad family is left wondering where to turn for medical guidance, the Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA) and Ahmedabad Family Physicians Association (AFPA) have jointly rolled out their annual ‘Doctor on Call’ humanitarian initiative from November 7 to 13, 2026.
The service seeks to provide timely medical advice, initial guidance and access to appropriate specialists even when regular clinics follow holiday schedules.
Sustaining a commendable tradition spanning more than a decade, the two professional associations have once again brought together the medical fraternity in the larger interest of public welfare. The initiative is particularly relevant during the festive period when several doctors and healthcare practitioners may be away from their clinics, potentially making it difficult for patients to obtain timely medical guidance.
Six doctors to coordinate medical assistance
Under the initiative, citizens can contact a dedicated team of six primary coordinators who will receive calls, offer basic medical advice and guide callers on the appropriate course of action without charging for the telephonic consultation.
Where a patient’s condition requires specialised attention or further medical intervention, the coordinators will facilitate connections with suitable medical specialists to help ensure that appropriate care is accessible without unnecessary delay.
The designated primary coordination team comprises:
- Dr. Dhiren Mehta – 9898854158
- Dr. Ashvin Shah – 9824038816
- Dr. Sunil Patel – 9879225294
- Dr. Ramesh Patel – 9426495264
- Dr. Jyotindra Mehta – 9825039653
- Dr. Parth Patel – 9924119778
A tradition rooted in community service
The ‘Doctor on Call’ initiative reflects the medical fraternity’s recognition that healthcare needs do not take a holiday, even when routine medical services operate on reduced schedules.
The AMA’s operating model envisages a patient contacting an area coordinator, who then guides the patient to an available doctor or hospital according to the medical requirement. The association has also clarified in its earlier communication that telephonic advice is free, while routine clinic or hospital consultation charges may apply.
The Ahmedabad Medical Association, which is celebrating its 125th year in 2026-27, has reiterated its commitment to taking its institutional legacy forward through compassion, professional excellence and community service. Its current president, Dr. Kalpita M. Dave, has called upon members to contribute their expertise, time and enthusiasm to make the association’s initiatives more impactful.
AFPA, with over 500 members and more than 250 events recorded on its official website, has likewise maintained an active engagement with medical education and community-oriented healthcare initiatives.
A message of reassurance for every household
“Our mission is to bring care, peace of mind, and comfort to families across Ahmedabad so everyone can celebrate a safe and healthy Diwali,” said the organisers.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Dr. Kalpita Dave, President, AMA; Dr. Maulik Sheth, Honorary Secretary, AMA; Dr. Ramesh I. Patel, President, AFPA; and Dr. Mehul Shelat, Honorary Secretary, AFPA.
Beyond the immediate medical assistance, the initiative carries a larger message: the spirit of a festival is truly meaningful when society looks after its most vulnerable members. By volunteering their time and professional expertise, doctors from the two associations are ensuring that access to medical guidance remains within reach during a period when families should be able to celebrate with greater confidence.
For Ahmedabadis, keeping these six numbers handy could make a meaningful difference when an unexpected health concern arises during the festive week.
Public advisory
The free facility covers primary telephonic medical advice and guidance. It should not be treated as a substitute for physical examination or emergency treatment. In a life-threatening situation, citizens should immediately seek emergency medical assistance rather than wait for a callback.