Excelsior Correspondent
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 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.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
