Pune Doctor Dies During Himachal Trek, Sparks Concerns Over Sudden Health Collapses
Pune, 13th June 2025: The untimely death of Dr. Niteen Abhivant, a 42-year-old psychiatrist and department head at B J Medical College (BJMC), Pune, during a trek in Himachal Pradesh has sent shockwaves through the medical community and reignited concerns about sudden health emergencies in seemingly fit individuals.
Dr. Abhivant was on a trekking expedition near the Buran Ghati trail, around 150 km from Shimla, when he suddenly experienced intense breathlessness and collapsed. Despite the presence of fellow medics in the group and immediate attempts to revive him, he could not be saved. The incident occurred at the base level, early in the trek, according to Dr. Nishikant Thorat, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at BJMC. His mortal remains were brought to Solapur, where his last rites were performed on Wednesday.
While the post-mortem report is awaited, preliminary assessments point towards sudden cardiac arrest or pulmonary embolism, both medical emergencies known for striking without warning and often fatal if not addressed immediately.
Dr. Abhivant was a well-regarded figure in psychiatric medicine, known not only for his clinical and academic acumen but also for his commitment to affordable mental healthcare. “He always worked towards accessible, cost-effective mental health solutions. His empathy for patients was unmatched,” recalled Dr. Praful Kapse, Head of Psychiatric Social Work at the Maharashtra Institute of Mental Health.
His sudden death has left a deep void in the academic and healthcare circles. Dr. Bhushan Chaudhari, Professor at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College and a longtime friend, described him as “a cheerful, dependable, and devoted professional.”
An avid trekker, Dr. Abhivant had completed several challenging expeditions in the past, making his sudden passing even more unexpected.
