 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 12: In a heartening display of compassion and collaboration, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in partnership with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), has extended the gift of hearing to deaf children through Cochlear Implant Surgeries (CI Surgeries) at the SMVD Narayana Superspecialty Hospital (SMVDNSH) in Katra. In March 2024, eight CI surgeries were successfully performed at SMVDNSH, with two children undergoing simultaneous self-sponsored CI surgeries for both ears, marking a significant milestone as the first instance of bilateral surgeries in the entire Union Territory. Among the recipients was a one-year-old girl, becoming the youngest bilateral Cochlear Implant recipient at SMVDNSH.
Led by Dr. Rohan Gupta, Consultant ENT, and guided by Dr. Sunil Kotwal, the clinical team executed the surgeries with remarkable success, enabling the children to embark on a journey filled with the sounds and words they had previously been deprived of.
Dr. Gopal Sharma, Chief Administrative Officer, commended the hospital's extensive awareness campaigns and effective strategies, noting the increased awareness among parents regarding the need for CI surgeries. He emphasized the pivotal role played by IOCL as part of its CSR initiatives, which align with the philanthropic strides of the Shrine Board, further enhancing its societal impact.
With a total of 15 surgeries performed in March 2024, SMVDNSH has demonstrated exceptional clinical capabilities and capacities, reaching new heights in its mission to serve the community. Sh. Mathavan, Facility Director, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the Shrine Board, acknowledging its instrumental role in the hospital's success since its inception in 2016.
The families of the beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude to the Shrine Board for fulfilling their prayers and alleviating the deafness of their children. Anshuman Sharma, Head of Marketing at SMVDNSH, announced plans for a CI Consultation and Screening Camp on April 21, 2024, at the Jammu OPD of the hospital, providing free consultation and screening for prospective beneficiaries. Additionally, the hospital intends to organize more awareness camps to benefit the people of the region.
This collaborative effort between the Shrine Board and IOCL reflects a commitment to social responsibility and underscores the transformative impact of healthcare initiatives on the lives of individuals and communities. |
