ISLAMABAD, (Parliament Times) : Cochlear implant is a device placed in the inner ear to restore hearing. Minimal requirements for cochlear implantation are a patent cochlea (organ of hearing) and an intact cochlear nerve. On February 02, 2023, HOD ENT, Foundation University Islamabad (FUI), Maj Gen Nusrat Raza HI (M) (R) along with Dr Kiran (PGT) and their team performed “First Ever Cochlear Implant Surgery” at Fauji Foundation Hospital. The recipient of the implant is 5 years old Anas Shakoor S/O Mr. Shakoor Ahmed, who is employed as a technician at Fauji Foundation Power Company Dharki limited. He belongs to Mirpur Mathelo, Sindh. As it is a landmark achievement of Foundation University Islamabad, a Cochlear Implant Activation Ceremony was organized at Foundation University School of Health Sciences on March 22, 2023.
Mr. Waqar Ahmed Malik (SI), MD/CEO Fauji Foundation graced the occasion as chief guest. Rector FUI, Maj Gen Nasir Dliawar Shah, HI (M) (R), Director Foundation University School of Health Sciences, Maj Gen Imran Fazal, HI (M) (R), Commandant Fauji Foundation Hospital, Maj Gen Rahat Abbas, HI (M) (R) and MD Fauji Power Company Daharki Limited, Maj Gen Muhammad Junaid HI (M) (R), were also present on the occasion. The ceremony began with the recitation from the holy Quran followed by a detailed presentation by HOD ENT, FUI, Maj Gen Nusrat Raza HI (M) (R) to enlighten the audience about some basic facts about cochlear implant surgery.
In his welcome address, Rector FUI congratulated the whole team who made the implant surgery possible, giving little Anas the gift of hearing which would change his world forever. He said that Fauji Foundation has been a part of many such initiatives but this one gesture in particular indicates what Fauji Foundation stands for. He thanked MD Fauji Foundation for sparing time out of his busy schedule. He also highlighted that Foundation University College of Physical Therapy became the first ever college having world level Accreditation of World Physiotherapy. He further added that Mr. Waqar Ahmed’s presence at the occasion reflects the value he renders to public health initiatives at Fauji Foundation.
The chief guest activated the first cochlear implant on stage. In his closing remarks, the honourable chief guest appreciated the efforts of the entire team who performed the surgery. He emphasized that instead of importing these implants at a high cost we must do the reverse engineering and produce it indigenously. He urged the scholars of Foundation University Islamabad to develop the capacity/facility to manufacture the implants whereas Fauji Foundation will fund the research/facility.
