GMC & Rajindra Hospital, Patiala Performs First Cochlear Implant Surgery; new hope to children with hearing loss- Dr Sibia
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ March 2,2026
Government Medical College (GMC) & Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, has achieved a major milestone in advanced ENT care by successfully performing its first cochlear implant surgery on February 26, 2026. This landmark achievement marks a significant advancement in providing specialized hearing rehabilitation services in the region.
The historic procedure was performed by Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Bhagat, Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)and Surgical team. While talking with media today at ENT Department Dr Sanjeev Bhagat said that under the able guidance of Medial Educators and Research Minister Dr Balbir Singh, the whole team of department is fully dedicated to providing better quality treatment to the patients.
Dr Bhagat further said that the surgery was conducted under the expert mentorship of Prof. (Dr.) Surinder Kumar Singhal from GMCH -32 Chandigarh, whose guidance played a crucial role in clinical planning and execution of the procedure.
The Department of ENT worked in close coordination with the Department of Anaesthesia, Audiology team, Operation Theatre staff, and Nursing Officers to ensure smooth and safe conduct of the surgery.
The patient, suffering from severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss, underwent successful implantation and is stable post-operatively. The patient will now undergo regular auditory-verbal rehabilitation .
Dr Sanjeev Bhagat said that this milestone was achieved under the dynamic leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Raminderpal Singh Sibia, Director-Principal, GMC Patiala, whose vision and administrative support have strengthened tertiary-level healthcare services in the institution. The initiative was further supported by Dr. Vishal Chopra , Medical Superintendent, Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, who facilitated infrastructural and operational arrangements for the successful conduct of the procedure.
Dr Raminderpal Singh Sibia said that with this achievement, GMC & Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, has formally launched its Cochlear Implant Programme, offering new hope to children with congenital or acquired severe hearing loss. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance access to advanced ENT and hearing rehabilitation services within Punjab, added Dr Sibia.
