Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Oct 1: On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, an inspiring story of courage and companionship has emerged from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra.
A 78-year-old man and his 71-year-old wife from Rajouri, both suffering from severe osteoarthritis, fulfilled their wish of undergoing knee replacement surgeries together.
The couple’s case was taken up by Dr Vikas Padha, senior Joint Replacement Surgeon, during an outreach OPD in Rajouri.
While the husband was advised staged knee replacements and the wife simultaneous bilateral replacement, they insisted on facing the surgery side by side.
Respecting their wish, both were admitted in adjoining beds.
On the scheduled day, Dr Padha successfully performed the surgeries, mobilizing the couple the same evening.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Padha said, “They wanted to face it together and it was a privilege to help them do that.”
He has recently completed over 500 successful joint replacement surgeries at the hospital.
Dr M M Mathawan, facility Director said, “The case reflects a positive shift in public perception. For years, there was hesitation about knee replacement in Jammu. Stories like this break myths and highlight the trust people now place in our hospital as one of the region’s leading Joint Replacement Centres.”
Congratulating the team, Dr Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director SMVDIME said, “The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has been instrumental in creating state-of-the-art facilities at this hospital, enabling such milestones. It reflects how infrastructure, expertise, and compassionate care come together to transform lives.”
The couple’s resilience and companionship now stand as a beacon of hope and healthy ageing for the community.
The couple encouraged one another during physiotherapy sessions, took their first steps together and regained mobility within days.
Soon after, they were discharged in good health.
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