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Looking ahead, Anees hopes to return to Dubai as a trauma specialist, giving back to the community that nurtured him
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Beyond medicine, he is also an accomplished MMA and kickboxing trainer, mentoring young athletes across several countries — a testament to his discipline, versatility and commitment to service
An Indian expatriate based in the UAE has earned international recognition after his quick thinking and medical expertise saved the life of a fellow passenger during a mid-flight medical emergency. Anees Mohamed, a Kerala-born medical intern currently training in Uzbekistan and raised in Dubai, has been honoured as a national hero by Uzbekistan for his life-saving intervention aboard an international flight.
The incident occurred on July 29 this year when Anees was travelling from Tashkent to Delhi to attend a medical fellowship. Midway through the journey, a 48-year-old female passenger suffered a severe episode of tachycardia — a dangerously rapid and irregular heartbeat — leaving her in acute distress. The woman showed signs of panic, breathlessness and cardiovascular instability, prompting the flight crew to make an urgent call for medical assistance.
Without hesitation, Anees identified himself and began assessing the passenger’s condition. Recognising the symptoms immediately, he performed a carotid massage, an emergency clinical technique used to regulate abnormal heart rhythms by stimulating the vagus nerve.
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Within seconds, the passenger’s heart rate began to stabilise, her breathing normalised, and her anxiety subsided
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Anees continued monitoring her condition until the aircraft landed in Delhi, where she was safely handed over to medical professionals
In recognition of his courage and presence of mind, Anees was awarded under Uzbekistan’s “Heroes Among Us” initiative by the Yuksalish Movement, an organisation registered with the country’s Ministry of Justice. The ceremony, held in Tashkent, honoured individuals who demonstrated exceptional service to humanity. Anees was notably the first non-Uzbek national to receive this distinction, standing alongside other honourees celebrated for acts of bravery and social service.
In his acceptance speech, delivered with the support of translators and sign language interpreters, Anees dedicated the award to his family, mentors, and Tashkent State Medical University, where he is currently completing his internship. The university also issued an official commendation acknowledging his exemplary conduct.
Anees’ journey has been marked by resilience. After beginning his medical education in Ukraine, he was forced to relocate due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and continued his studies in Uzbekistan. Raised in Dubai, he credits the UAE for shaping his early aspirations, including a formative stint with the Dubai Health Authority that inspired his medical career.
