Army Hospital (R&R) celebrates milestone with 50 bilateral cochlear implants

New Delhi [India], October 4 (ANI): The Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) at Army Hospital Research and Referral (R&R) in Delhi Cantonment has achieved a historic milestone by successfully conducting 50 bilateral simultaneous cochlear implants in the past 18 months.

This remarkable achievement positions Army Hospital (R&R) as the only government hospital in the country to have accomplished these many successful bilateral cochlear implants, read the Ministry of Defence press release.

A cochlear implant is a sophisticated medical device that empowers individuals with hearing disabilities to integrate into mainstream society by restoring their ability to hear.

The cost associated with cochlear implant equipment has historically been a limiting factor in its accessibility. In most government-funded programs, children receive only a single cochlear implant.

However, the benefits of hearing through both ears far outweigh the cost involved, a realization that the Armed Forces Medical Services quickly embraced, read the press release.

In March 2022, the policy for cochlear implants for hearing-impaired patients in the Armed Forces was revised, incorporating simultaneous bilateral implants.

This marked a significant milestone as it brought India’s medical standards in line with those of developed countries.

Lt Gen Daljit Singh, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, and Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee, Director General of Medical Services (Army), extend their heartfelt congratulations to the Army Hospital (R&R) and express their best wishes for continued success, read the press release.

Army Hospital (R&R) stands as the apex medical institution of the Armed Forces and is currently under the command of Lt Gen Ajith Nilakantan, a specialist in ENT and Head and Neck Oncosurgery.

This historic achievement reflects the hospital’s commitment to advancing medical care and making a meaningful impact on the lives of hearing-impaired individuals.