IOCL, SMVDSB organise cochlear implant programme for hearing impaired children

Katra, Oct 12: 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 Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra, a groundbreaking cochlear implant programme 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 sensorineural 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.

Thanks to the dedication of Dr Rohan Gupta and his team, dozens of successful surgeries have been performed 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 ₹75 lakhs to the initiative, enabling 11 children to access this life-changing technology. Dr Rohan Gupta emphasized the importance of timely intervention for congenitally deaf children, advocating for treatment procedures to be performed as early as 1 to 1.5 years of age to optimize outcomes.

Dr Rohan Gupta expressed profound gratitude to IOCL for their invaluable support, referring to them as "messiahs" for the children of J&K. He urged them to continue their mission to extend assistance to more families in the future, highlighting that the burden of deafness affects not just the child but reverberates through their entire family and community.

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. He praised the hospital's recognition as one of the best in the region and encouraged Dr Rohan Gupta to persist in his outreach efforts to identify children with hearing loss early and promote awareness around newborn screening and treatment.

To further enhance accessibility, Dr Rohan Gupta will conduct outreach clinics in Srinagar at Kashmir Clinics Central, Karan Nagar, on the second Monday of each month. This initiative aims to address the higher prevalence of congenital deafness in the region. Moreover, the Hans Foundation has pledged financial assistance to support cochlear implant surgeries for underprivileged children in J&K.

Dr Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi 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. He highlighted the success stories of children who have benefited from cochlear implant surgeries, showcasing their joyful moments and newfound abilities.

"The transformation we witness in these children's lives is monumental. With continued support and partnerships, we hope to ensure that every child with hearing impairment has the opportunity for a brighter future," Dr Yashpal Sharma stated.

The collaborative efforts of IOCL, SMVDNSH, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board stand as a testament to compassionate service and collective action, exemplifying how dedicated stakeholders can come together to make a profound impact on the lives of those who need it most.