Nair hosp does expensive laser surgeries for free Cost of undergoing ENT operations in pvt hosps runs into lakhs

Nair hosp does expensive laser surgeries for free

Cost of undergoing ENT operations in pvt hosps runs into lakhs

Twelve-year-old Hussain Ali (name changed) was unable to talk after tiny boils erupted on the inside of his larynx. After being diagnosed with laryngeal papillomatosis — the occurrence of benign tumours in the throat region — he was treated at the BMC-run Nair Hospital with laser surgery, free of cost. “Such a treatment option has not been available in any of the city-based public hospitals. While costs of undergoing a laser surgery for curing ENT disorders can roll into lakhs of rupees at private hospitals, Nair Hospital is providing this service to patients virtually for free,” said Dr Bachi Hathiram, head of Nair Hospital’s ear, nose and throat (ENT) department. The ENT department of the hospital recently upgraded its infrastructure by installing equipment which use state-of-the-art laser technology. The machine was donated to the civic body by Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation and Prince Aly Khan Hospital last month. “Since then, close to 20 patients suffering from cancer or non-cancerous conditions — including the obstruction of the windpipe, or vocal cord disorders — have been treated in the hospital,” Dr Hathiram said. Doctors say that every week, at least two patients approach hospitals seeking a cure for cancer or tumours in their initial stage, which can be effectively gotten rid of with laser surgery. “It is a minimal invasion surgery which causes less scarring and minimum damage to the surrounding normal tissues. Also, the patient does not end up bleeding incessantly,” said Dr Vicky Khattar, assistant professor, ENT department, Nair Hospital. He said that if smokers, tobacco chewers and other people from high-risk groups who can’t be treated with standard medication should be screened for ENT-related cancers. “If a patient is detected with a problem early, laser surgery could save his or her life,” he added. Health officials said that free access to this life-saving therapy will benefit a large number of people. “We believe that, irrespective of their economic condition, people should have access to quality healthcare. Since a vast majority of the people who need treatment visit public hospitals, the foundation has been consistently working towards strengthening these hospitals,” said Leni Chaudhuri, programme head, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation.