Doctors' body writes to PM Modi seeking ex gratia for medicos killed in Saket building collapse
Doctors
New Delhi: Grieving over the tragic loss of young medical students in a building collapse in the Saidulajab area of Saket, Delhi, on May 30, 2026, a doctors' body has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting the government to provide financial compensation to the kin of the deceased students along with an independent inquiry, and a safety audit of student residential areas in the national capital.
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) in a letter to the PM on June 5, 2026, said the incident has caused immense sorrow and concern across the medical community.
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that four young doctors lost their lives in the tragic collapse of an illegally constructed building in South Delhi's Saidulajab area. The doctors were among several students and medical aspirants affected by the tragic incident, which reportedly left around 30 people injured, including nearly 25 medicos preparing for FMG and NEET PG examinations.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening in Saidulajab near Saket Metro Station, where a five-storey commercial building suddenly collapsed in a "pancake collapse," with the upper floors crashing onto the lower levels. The collapse also affected a nearby canteen that was frequented by medical and engineering students living in the area.
Also read- Candle march announced for 4 doctors killed in Saket building collapse
Following this, FAIMA had announced a candle march to pay tribute to the deceased doctors and medical students. The march was held on Wednesday at 5:00 PM at Bada Gurudwara, Saket, under the guidance of FAIMA FMG In-Charge Dr Jaswant Yadav.
Now, the association has submitted a letter to the Prime Minister highlighting the issue and requesting ex gratia compensation for the families of the deceased.
FAIMA said that these students were dedicated individuals preparing for their licensing and postgraduate examinations. Therefore, the association said that their untimely passing is a profound loss not only to their families but also to the future of the nation’s healthcare system.
The association expressed concern over the lack of official acknowledgement and financial support for the affected families. Referring to other recent tragedies where ex-gratia compensation was announced, the doctors’ body questioned why similar relief had not been provided to the victims of the Saket collapse.
"It has been observed that in other recent tragedies, such as the fire in Malviya Nagar, the government has provided swift ex-gratia assistance. The absence of similar support for the victims of the Saket collapse has led to a sense of neglect among healthcare professionals, who feel that their contribution and their lives are not being valued with the same level of urgency," the association pointed out.
FAIMA further pointed out that reports had earlier flagged the building for illegal construction and safety violations prior to the collapse. The association alleged that failure to act on these warnings points to a serious administrative lapse that requires immediate accountability.
In light of the above, the association formally requested the Central Government to provide financial compensation to the kin of the deceased students, the constitution of a high-level committee to investigate the systemic failures and negligence that permitted the occupation of this unsafe building and mandatory safety audit of all educational hubs and student residential areas in Delhi to ensure that such avoidable tragedies do not recur.
Commenting on the matter, Dr Jaideep Kr. Choudhary, FAIMA, National Chairman told Medical Dialogues, "Let's not forget that the loss of even a single doctor in this country where the Doctor-Patient ratio is so poor, will lead to hampered services to lakhs of patients who would have been otherwise treated by the doctor who unfortunately died due to the failure of our government and the system. We demand compensation from the Delhi Government and the Central Government for the departed souls, which was not at all taken into their concern. We also request the Hon'ble Prime Minister to look into the matter of frequent assaults on Doctors Pan-India and he must consider that the doctors are serving this country with more sincerity than anyone else. So, the best possible security system and the bare minimum facility to them at least in their workplace must be prioritised and should be a bigger concern for the state.."
He said, "Sometimes, please do a ‘Mann Ki Baat’ as well about doctors’ safety and ensuring cooperation with them at the workplace…"
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, FAIMA, National Spokesperson said, "FAIMA FMG representative Dr. Jaswant Singh personally visited the affected families and witnessed their immense grief and hardship. The families are facing severe emotional distress following this tragedy.We request that they be granted compensation on par with victims of other recent accidents and disasters. Such support would provide much-needed relief during this difficult time. It would also reflect the Government’s commitment to justice, compassion, and equal treatment for all citizens. The medical fraternity across the country stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. We are confident that the Government of India will consider this request with empathy and urgency."
