Health Milestone: RBSK-Backed Cochlear Implants Bring New Beginnings at SMHRC
Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research Centre (SMHRC), Wanadongri, Nagpur celebrated a significant milestone with the successful completion of three cochlear implant surgeries. The event for the external kit handover was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Samir Meghe, MLA- Hingna including, Dr. Anup Marar, CEO- Meghe Group of Institution and Dr. Vasant Gawande- SMHRC CMS along with beneficiaries, parents and relatives. These surgeries were made possible with the financial support from the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), a government initiative aimed at improving child health.
Cochlear implant surgery is a life-changing procedure for individuals with severe hearing loss. It involves placing an electronic medical device that bypasses damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing patients to regain the sense of sound. The multidisciplinary team at SMHRC successfully performed these surgeries, ensuring a bright future for the recipients’ children.
The ENT Department, led by renowned professionals, ensured the success of these surgeries. The team included Prof. Dr. Jeevan Vedi- Mentor & HOD- ENT, IGMC, Dr. Ajay Deshpande (HOD-ENT), Dr. Samir Choudhary (Associate Professor), Dr. Sanika Kalambe Ghate (Associate Professor), Dr. Prasanna Moon (Assistant Professor), Dr. Keya Waney (Assistant Professor), Dr. Shivani Pidurkar (Assistant Professor), Dr. Bhavna Mulchandani (Senior Resident), and Dr. Khushbu Prasad (Junior Resident). The surgeries were supported by skilled anaesthesia team comprising Dr. Anjali Borkar, Dr. Smita Harkare, Dr. Roshani Manwani and Dr. Amol. Ms. Neelu Somani & Dr. Ashish Disawal (Audiologist) played pivotal role in pre-screening, intra operation support and further external unit functioning.
The Paediatric Department, led by Dr. C. Bokade, played a critical role in patient care, assisted by Dr. Minal Ambade and Dr. Nisha. The Psychiatry team, led by Dr. Abhijeet Faye, provided vital support for patient counselling and mental health care. Sr. Vaishali, Sr. Seema, Sr. Rajashri (Operation Theatre Nurses), Sr. Shubhangi, Sr. Rupali and Sr. Shivani – ENT Ward staff, OT Technicians Mahesh, Hardeshwar, Rupesh and Mr. Mahesh (BME Dept.) aided in patients pre & post op care. Dr. Ishangi, Dr. Shivam, Ms. Bhagyashree and Ms. Divya provided the administrative support. Mr.Sunil Sure, Mr. Ashwin Radke and Mr. Rahul coordinated for RBSK funding. TEAM Pharmacy and Store ensured with timely availability of medicine and consumables.
Shr. Samir Meghe commended the team’s dedication and their commitment to providing affordable, patient-centric healthcare. Dr. Vasant Gawande highlighted the MLA’s efforts to extend the RBSK’s age limit from 2 to 5 years, aiming to benefit more children. Dr. Anup Marar expressed gratitude to Dr. Ravi Chuhan, Dean-IGMC and Dr. Nivrutti Rathod, Civil Surgeon, Nagpur in this transformative initiative, emphasizing the collective success in giving children the gift of hearing.