Diwali Doctors: Ahmedabad Launches Holiday Medical Helpline
Ahmedabad Doctors Launch Diwali ‘Doctor on Call’ Service from 7 to 13 November
Ahmedabad residents will have access to medical advice and specialist referral support during the Diwali holiday period under a joint initiative announced by the Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA) and the Ahmedabad Family Physicians Association (AFPA). The annual ‘Doctor on Call’ service will operate from 7 November to 13 November 2026, allowing people to contact designated doctors when many regular clinics may be working on reduced holiday schedules.
The initiative, which has continued for more than a decade, is intended to help families obtain initial medical advice and find suitable medical specialists when required. Six doctors have been named as primary coordinators for the service. They will receive calls from citizens, provide basic medical guidance free of charge and help connect callers with specialists if their medical needs require further attention.
The service comes during one of the busiest festive periods in Gujarat, when families take part in religious celebrations, visit relatives and travel. Medical services remain important during such holidays, particularly for people who may need advice about sudden illness or other health concerns while their usual family doctor is unavailable.
The six designated coordinators are Dr Dhiren Mehta, Dr Ashvin Shah, Dr Sunil Patel, Dr Ramesh Patel, Dr Jyotindra Mehta and Dr Parth Patel. Residents can contact them directly during the service period using the following telephone numbers:
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Dr Dhiren Mehta: 9898854158
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Dr Ashvin Shah: 9824038816
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Dr Sunil Patel: 9879225294
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Dr Ramesh Patel: 9426495264
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Dr Jyotindra Mehta: 9825039653
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Dr Parth Patel: 9924119778
The process is designed to give callers an initial point of contact. After understanding the medical concern, the coordinators can offer basic advice or help the patient reach a suitable specialist. This may be useful for people who are unsure which doctor to approach, particularly when their regular family physician is away during the festival.
The associations have described the service as a free primary medical advice facility. Patients will not have to pay for the initial telephone guidance. However, the announcement does not state that consultations at clinics, hospital visits, diagnostic tests or medical treatment will be free. Any such charges will need to be discussed with the concerned healthcare provider.
The annual programme has a longer history. An Ahmedabad Medical Association bulletin published in September 2024 recorded that the organisation had been running the Diwali Doctor on Call project with AFPA for 13 years at that time. The bulletin described 2024 as its 14th year. It also explained how the system works: patients contact a coordinator, who guides them towards an available doctor or hospital according to their needs.
The programme has also received attention in previous years because of the number of doctors involved. During Diwali 2025, AMA and AFPA announced a panel of 85 doctors who would remain available to assist residents. A report published by The Indian Express in October 2025 quoted the then AMA president, Dr Jignesh Shah, as saying that the panel received around 250 to 300 calls each year.
The arrangements announced for 2026 identify six primary coordinators. The number should not be confused with the total number of doctors who may be available through referrals. The latest announcement does not provide a complete specialist list or confirm the size of the wider medical panel.
Both associations have an established presence in Ahmedabad’s medical community. The Ahmedabad Medical Association is a local medical body affiliated with the wider Indian Medical Association network. The organisation is marking its 125th year in 2026, according to its official website. Dr Kalpita M. Dave is its president for 2026-27, while Dr Maulik Sheth serves as honorary secretary.
The Ahmedabad Family Physicians Association traces its formation to 1998. Its official website describes its beginnings as an organisation formed by family physicians in the city. It currently reports a membership of more than 500 doctors and lists medical education programmes, conferences and professional activities among its work.
Family physicians often serve as the first medical contact for patients. They deal with common illnesses, assess symptoms and guide patients towards specialist treatment when necessary. During holiday periods, access to this first point of medical advice can become more difficult if regular clinics are closed or operating for fewer hours.
The Diwali period can also bring health concerns linked to changes in routine, travel, food habits and outdoor celebrations. Smoke from firecrackers may cause coughing, throat irritation and eye discomfort, particularly among people with existing breathing problems. Burns and accidental injuries can also require prompt medical attention. Such cases need proper assessment by qualified medical professionals rather than relying on telephone advice alone.
For serious medical emergencies, residents should contact emergency services or seek immediate hospital care instead of waiting for a response from the coordinators. The Government of India’s Emergency Response Support System uses 112 as its nationwide emergency number. Ahmedabad district’s official helpline directory also lists 108 and 102 for ambulance services.
The associations have placed family healthcare at the centre of the initiative. Their joint message states: “Our mission is to bring care, peace of mind, and comfort to families across Ahmedabad so everyone can celebrate a safe and healthy Diwali”
The statement is associated with the leadership of both organisations. Dr Kalpita Dave is President of AMA and Dr Maulik Sheth is its Honorary Secretary. Representing AFPA, Dr Ramesh I. Patel serves as President, while Dr Mehul Shelat is its Honorary Secretary.
The 2026 Doctor on Call service will remain available from 7 November through 13 November. Ahmedabad residents who need initial medical guidance during these dates can contact any of the six designated coordinators. The facility is intended to help people find appropriate medical support while normal clinic schedules are affected by the Diwali holidays.
For families planning their festive activities, keeping these contact numbers accessible may help them reach a doctor when their regular medical facility is unavailable.
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