The Department of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) at Army Hospital (R&R) in Delhi Cantt. has achieved a significant milestone, successfully performing 50 bilateral simultaneous cochlear implants over the past 18 months. This achievement marks a historic moment, making Army Hospital (R&R) the government institution in the country to achieve such a remarkable accomplishment in cochlear implants surgeries.
Cochlear implants are complicated medical devices that have transformed the lives of hearing-impaired individuals, allowing them to integrate into mainstream society by restoring their ability to hear. The cost of these devices has always been a concern, limiting their accessibility to many. Typically, government-funded programs provide only one cochlear implant to children in need. However, the advantages of hearing with both ears far outweigh the associated costs, a realisation that the Armed Forces Medical Services quickly recognized.
In March 2022, the policy regarding cochlear implants for hearing-impaired patients in the Armed Forces was revised, paving the way for simultaneous bilateral implants, where both ears receive implants. This groundbreaking policy is the first of its kind in the nation, aligning India’s medical standards with those of developed countries.
Director-General of Armed Forces Medical Services, Lt General Daljit Singh and DGMS (Army), Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee, extended their heartfelt congratulations to Army Hospital (R&R) for this remarkable achievement. They expressed their optimism for even more recognition in the future, highlighting the hospital’s pioneering work in the field.
Army Hospital (R&R) stands as the flagship medical institution of the Armed Forces, presently under the command of Lt Gen Ajith Nilakantan, who specialises in ENT and Head and Neck Oncosurgery. This remarkable milestone underscores the hospital’s commitment to pushing boundaries and advancing healthcare for the betterment of society.