Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 17: In a significant development, the Department of ENT GMC Srinagar has restarted cochlear Implant surgery for deaf and mute children.
In this regard, 4 cochlear implant surgeries were done on June 14, 15 in the department of ENT GMC Srinagar at SMHS Hospital Srinagar under the Mentorship of Prof (Dr.) Alok Thakar, Head of the department of ENT, AIIMS, New Delhi.
Dr. Alok Thakar was in Srinagar in connection with an MoU signed between Director AIIMS and Principal GMC Srinagar for carrying forward the cochlear implant program smoothly in the future.
Pertinent to mention the surgery is being done for deaf and mute children preferably before 5 years of age for the development of hearing and then speech to live a near-normal life.
GMC said that Cochlear Implant surgery incurs a huge cost on the part of the patient as the implant itself costs in lacs of rupees. Previously because of financial constraints and COVID-19 for 2 years, implants couldn’t be done.
“However as part of MoU by the Department of ENT GMC Srinagar, this surgery is expected to benefit children with such disabilities in the future. Furthermore, all facilities for rehabilitation of such children are there in the ENT Department at SMHS Srinagar.”
Moreover, GMC Srinagar said, children with poor financial backgrounds who are unable to afford implants will be registered under the ADIPS-a scheme providing free implants for deaf and mute children below 5 years of age after fulfilling the requisite criteria.
The Principal GMC, Prof Samia Rashid has lauded the efforts of Prof Alok Thakar from AIIMS New Delhi and HoD ENT GMC Prof Manzoor Ahmad Latoo in this direction.
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