AIIMS Jammu Expands ENT Surgical Services: A Milestone for Regional Healthcare

AIIMS Jammu has made a significant leap forward in enhancing healthcare services with the launch of a comprehensive range of ENT surgical procedures. A submandibular gland tumor and ear canal tumor was excised on Friday, 20/09/2024 by ENT department operating team comprising of Dr Amardeep Singh (Associate Professor), Dr Darwin Kaushal (Additional Professor), Dr Akriti Mahajan (Senior resident) and Dr Nikhil Bhatti (Junior resident), under supervision of Anaesthesia team comprising of Dr Shruti Sharma (Additional Professor), Dr Bindu (Senior resident), Dr Deeba (Senior resident) and Dr Ajay Shankar (Junior resident).   This expansion not only signifies a vital improvement in patient care but also addresses a pressing need for advanced medical services within the region.

The importance of newly introduced surgical options in ENT field cannot be overstated. Head and neck tumors and other serious diseases in ENT often present unique challenges that require intricate surgical techniques and a multidisciplinary approach. By offering these specialized procedures, AIIMS Jammu is committed to improving early diagnosis, timely intervention, and overall treatment outcomes. This is particularly crucial as many patients with these conditions may experience significant symptoms that impact their daily lives, making timely access to care essential.

In addition to improving patient outcomes, the availability of advanced ENT surgical services at AIIMS Jammu will significantly reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to seek treatment in larger cities. For many residents in Jammu and the surrounding areas, accessing specialized care has often meant facing not only the physical toll of travel but also financial burdens associated with out-of-town healthcare. This new initiative will enable local patients to receive high-quality treatment closer to home, fostering a sense of trust and reliance on local healthcare facilities. As a result, patients will be encouraged to seek timely medical attention for ENT issues, potentially leading to better health outcomes and reduced complications.

The impact of this expansion extends beyond patient care; it is also a strategic investment in the local healthcare workforce. By training local surgeons and medical professionals in these advanced ENT techniques, AIIMS Jammu is cultivating a pool of expertise that will benefit not only current patients but also future generations. This commitment to education and training helps ensure that healthcare providers in the region are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to deliver top-notch care.

Furthermore, this initiative aligns seamlessly with national health objectives aimed at improving access to specialized medical services across India. By establishing a center of excellence in ENT care, AIIMS Jammu is contributing to the broader goal of reducing healthcare disparities and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their geographic location, have access to the care they need.

TheENT Department, AIIMS Jammu is soon going to start all advanced ENT surgical procedures like Head neck cancer surgery, Skull base surgeries, Cochlear implant surgery, Voice and airway surgery, Snoring and sleep apnea surgeries, Rhinoplasty surgery, ear reconstruction surgery.

Under the visionary guidance of Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, ED and CEO AIIMS Jammu, The  Department of ENT, with consultants Dr Darwin Kaushal (Additional Professor) and Dr Amardeep Singh (Associate Professor) is committed for excellence.