Performed 50 bilateral simultaneous cochlear implants in less than 18 months, Army Hospital creates History
In the past 18 months, the Department of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) at Army facility (R&R) in Delhi Cantt. has successfully completed 50 bilateral simultaneous cochlear implants, making it the only government facility in the entire nation to do so.
A sophisticated medical gadget called a cochlear implant makes it possible for people with hearing loss to integrate into society by allowing them to hear through it. The equipment's price has always been an issue, which limits its applicability. In the majority of government-funded programmes, children only receive one cochlear implant. The Armed Forces Medical Services were quick to realise that having hearing in both ears was worth much more than the expense.
The policy for simultaneous bilateral (in both ears) cochlear implants for hearing-impaired individuals in the armed forces was amended in March 2022. This was the nation's first policy to raise medical standards to parity with developed nations.
Army Hospital (R&R) has received congratulations from DG Armed Forces Medical Services Lt Gen Daljit Singh and DGMS (Army) Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee, who also wish the institution continued success.
Lt Gen Ajith Nilakantan, who specialised in ENT and Head and Neck Oncosurgery, is currently in charge of the Army Hospital (R&R), the highest ranking hospital in the Armed Forces.