Diplomat Correspondent
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 institute’s commitment to developing advanced ENT and hearing-care services.
The milestone procedure was performed under the visionary leadership of Prof. (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, whose continued emphasis on strengthening tertiary-level clinical services has enabled the establishment of a dedicated cochlear implant programme at the institute.
The surgery was carried out by a skilled ENT team comprising Dr Darwin Kaushal (Additional Professor and Head), Dr Amardeep Singh (Associate Professor), Dr Youshita, Dr Gunjan, and Audiologist Nityansh Saluja, who worked in close coordination to ensure seamless surgical and audiological care. The team achieved this milestone under the mentorship and expert guidance of Prof. (Dr) Rakesh Kumar, Head, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, AIIMS New Delhi, whose extensive experience in cochlear implantation significantly strengthened clinical planning and decision-making throughout the procedure.
AIIMS Jammu gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided through the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme, which enabled the cochlear implant surgery and facilitated advanced hearing rehabilitation for eligible patients.
Equally instrumental was the expertise of the Anaesthesia team led by Dr Shruti Sharma, Dr Slomi Gupta, and Dr Bisma, who ensured safe and effective peri-operative management. The smooth conduct of the surgery was further supported by dedicated Senior Nursing Officers and Nursing Officers, whose commitment contributed significantly to this successful clinical outcome.
With this achievement, the ENT Department at AIIMS Jammu has reached a defining milestone in its journey toward becoming a national centre of excellence for advanced ENT and hearing-care services. The initiation of the cochlear implant programme reflects the institute’s alignment with the Government of India’s vision of expanding accessible, technology-driven, and patient-centred healthcare.
The successful procedure marks the beginning of a full-fledged cochlear implant service at AIIMS Jammu, offering renewed hope to children and adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss. With expanding infrastructure, multidisciplinary expertise, and mentorship from national leaders in the field, AIIMS Jammu aims to establish itself as a leading centre for hearing restoration surgery in the region.DD