JAMMU: In a landmark achievement for healthcare in the region, the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has successfully conducted its first cochlear implant surgery, marking a significant step forward in the development of advanced ENT and hearing-care services at the institute.
The milestone procedure was carried out under the leadership of Prof. (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, whose emphasis on strengthening tertiary-level clinical services has enabled the establishment of a dedicated cochlear implant programme.
The surgery was performed by the ENT team comprising Dr Darwin Kaushal, Additional Professor and Head, Dr Amardeep Singh, Associate Professor, along with Dr Youshita, Dr Gunjan, and Audiologist Nityansh Saluja. The team worked in close coordination to ensure comprehensive surgical and audiological care. The procedure was conducted under the mentorship and expert guidance of Prof. (Dr) Rakesh Kumar, Head, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, AIIMS New Delhi, whose vast experience in cochlear implantation contributed significantly to clinical planning and execution.
AIIMS Jammu acknowledged the financial support provided under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme, which enabled the cochlear implant surgery and facilitated advanced hearing rehabilitation for eligible patients.
The Anaesthesia team, led by Dr Shruti Sharma, Dr Slomi Gupta, and Dr Bisma, ensured safe and effective peri-operative management, while Senior Nursing Officers and Nursing Officers played a crucial role in the smooth conduct of the procedure.
With this achievement, the ENT Department at AIIMS Jammu has reached a defining milestone in its journey towards becoming a centre of excellence for advanced ENT and hearing-care services. The initiation of the cochlear implant programme aligns with the Government of India’s vision of expanding accessible, technology-driven and patient-centred healthcare.
The successful surgery marks the beginning of a full-fledged cochlear implant service at AIIMS Jammu, offering new hope to children and adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss and reinforcing the institute’s commitment to delivering specialised healthcare in the region.
