Jammu, 13 October (H.S.):

The commitment to improving the lives of children with

hearing impairments in Jammu and Kashmir has received a significant boost

through the collaborative efforts of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)

and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).

Under the expert guidance of Dr Rohan Gupta, a

Consultant ENT and Cochlear Implant Surgeon at the SMVD Narayana Superspecialty

Hospital Katra, groundbreaking Cochlear Implant Program has been transforming

the lives of children affected by profound deafness in the region.

Cochlear Implants are revolutionary biomedical

devices that provide critical auditory access to children with severe to

profound sensor neural hearing loss. The device comprises an internal implant

and an external sound processor, which channels sound into meaningful auditory

signals. In tandem with the surgery, patients undergo extensive speech therapy

to facilitate language development, significantly enhancing their quality of

life.

Dr Rohan Gupta and his team have performed

dozens of successful surgeries at SMVD NH, eliminating the need for families to

travel to distant locations like Chandigarh or Delhi for treatment. Moreover,

the Shrine Board has stepped in to alleviate the financial burden on low-income

families by providing Cochlear Implant devices at no cost.

In February 2024, when the Cochlear Implant

program faced a funding shortfall, Dr Rohan Gupta appealed to the Shrine Board

for additional support. Responding wholeheartedly, IOCL generously contributed

over Rs 75 lakhs to the initiative, enabling 11 children to access this

life-changing technology.

Dr M Muthumathavan, Facility Director of

SMVDSNH, reiterated the Hospital’s commitment to ensuring that every patient

receives top-notch healthcare, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Dr Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, SMVD

Institute of Medical Excellence, affirmed the Board’s unwavering commitment to

supporting needy children, promising to engage more Corporate partners to

promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for such noble

causes.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar