Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 26: Families of two young patients who recently underwent Cochlear implant surgeries at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Baramulla today expressed their elation and gratitude. The surgeries, which took place within their hometown and without any cost, have brought a wave of contentment among the patients’ loved ones.
Umar Asaduallah Wani, a resident of Wagoora in north Kashmir’s Baramulla, whose family member underwent the surgery, shared his experience, saying, “We travelled to different places seeking treatment, which came with substantial expenses. However, meeting Dr. Zafarullah Beigh changed everything. The surgery was conducted free of cost by a team of doctors from Delhi, with the assistance of GMC Baramulla’s medical staff.”
Another patient’s attendant, Zahoor ul Islam, from Kupwara, also expressed appreciation for the hospital’s surgical facility. He highlighted the convenience of having the surgery done locally, stating, “It will significantly improve our lives. The fact that we didn’t have to leave J&K for the surgery and that it was conducted without any financial burden is crucial.”
In a significant milestone for J&K, the ENT Department at GMC Baramulla performed two Cochlear implant surgeries for the first time earlier. Additionally, the hospital provided the implants free of charge. The surgeries were performed on two 4-year-old children who were born deaf and consequently faced difficulties in developing speech.
Dr Zafarullah Beigh, Assistant Professor of ENT at GMC Baramulla, shared insights about the procedures, stating that the surgeries took place on August 24 under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Kapil Sikka and Dr. Arvind Kairo from AIIMS, New Delhi.
He mentioned that both patients were discharged after comprehensive post-operative evaluations. “Audiological tests were even conducted during the surgery, with specialized teams from Delhi and Chandigarh present,” he added.
Upon their discharge, the young patients received chocolates and bouquets from Dr. Pervaiz Masoodi, the Medical Superintendent at GMC Baramulla.
It is to be noted here that the services of Cochlear implant surgeries are now available free of cost at the hospital, with all expenses covered under the Government of India’s assistance to disabled persons for purchase/fitting of Aids and Appliances scheme.
Dr. Kapil Sikka from AIIMS, New Delhi expressed his satisfaction with the facilities and skilled medical professionals at GMC Baramulla. He emphasized the life-changing impact of such implant surgeries on patients.
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