A senior consultant who works in North Wales could be a step closer to coming home after being trapped in India because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The plight of Dr Venkat Sundaram, the intensive care lead with Ysbyty Glan Clwyd’s emergency department, was made public last week.

The critical care specialist has been trapped in Bangalore after going to visit his sick father, who has since died.

A petition calling on the UK Government to get him home has accrued more than 1,100 signatures.

On Wednesday, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said they had been “in direct contact” with Dr Sundaram and were working to “help facilitate his departure to the UK”.

Dr Sundaram made a video appeal to the Welsh and UK Governments, asking them to find a solution with the Indian authorities, who have also put their population in lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The video has been viewed more than 11,000 times and his plight has garnered widespread support.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board confirmed it had made representations on the consultant’s behalf to both Welsh and UK Governments to find a way around the impasse.

A spokeswoman for the FCO said: “We know this is a difficult time for many British travellers in India, and are working around the clock to bring them home.

“We have already organised flights from Goa, Mumbai and Delhi back to the UK and are doing everything we can to overcome the significant challenges to ensure more flights can be secured from across India in the coming days.”

Dr Emma Hosking, Glan Clwyd’s medical director, said: “Dr Sundaram is a valued member of the Glan Clwyd Hospital family and we look forward to welcoming him back to work as soon as possible in order to support our response to the outbreak of Covid-19.

“His expertise and leadership in critical care medicine has never been more important.”

In the video posted on Facebook, Dr Sundaram said he was needed to help the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and by his wife and young family.

He said he had only flown to India to visit his “ailing father” several weeks ago.

He said: “I am currently trapped in India and cannot come home to lead the fight against Covid-19.

“Our patients across Wales need intensive care consultants now more than ever.

“I have been in self-isolation but, because of the current situation in Bangalore with the grounded planes, I cannot come home.

“I am appealing to the Welsh and UK Governments to get me home as soon as possible.

“I am needed to help the fight against Covid-19. Thank you. Diolch yn fawr.”