Mangaluru: The Department of ENT at Father Muller Medical College, in association with the Department of Audiology of Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing, successfully organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme featuring a live cochlear implant surgery on February 6, 2026. The event marked a historic milestone with the first-ever cochlear implant surgery at Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH), significantly strengthening advanced hearing rehabilitation services at the institution.

The academic and surgical programme was conducted under the surgical mentorship of Milind Kirtane, Padma Shri awardee and one of India’s most respected pioneers in cochlear implant surgery, who has performed over 4,000 implants nationwide. The initiative reflected Father Muller’s continued commitment to integrating cutting-edge medical advances with compassionate patient care.

Inaugural ceremony and leadership messages

The programme commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, presided over by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI); Rev. Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College; Rev. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, FMMCH; and Dr Anthony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean, Father Muller Medical College, along with other dignitaries.

Dr Vinay V. Rao, Professor and Head of the Department of ENT and Organising Chairman of the programme, welcomed the gathering and outlined the significance of initiating a cochlear implant programme at the institution. He highlighted how the initiative would benefit children and adults with profound hearing loss, especially from underserved backgrounds.

Dr Sana Aboobaker, Organising Secretary, formally introduced the chief guest and mentor surgeon, Prof. Dr Milind Kirtane, detailing his pioneering contributions to otology and cochlear implant surgery in India.

Prof. Milind Kirtane’s address

Addressing the audience, Prof. Dr Milind Kirtane congratulated the management and the ENT department for launching the cochlear implant programme for the first time in the institution’s history. He lauded the benevolent gesture of the management in sponsoring the cochlear implant for the recipient, emphasising that access to such life-changing technology should not be limited by financial constraints.

In recognition of his mentorship and outstanding contribution to the field, Prof. Dr Kirtane was felicitated with a memento by the Director of FMCI.

Advancing otorhinolaryngology services

In his address, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo underscored the importance of embracing progress and innovation in medical disciplines such as otorhinolaryngology. He noted that introducing advanced procedures like cochlear implantation not only strengthens clinical services but also upholds the institution’s 145-year legacy of service, education, and ethical medical practice.

Dr Sana Aboobaker delivered the vote of thanks, marking the conclusion of the inaugural ceremony.

Live cochlear implant surgery

Following the CME sessions, a live cochlear implant surgery was performed on a three-year-old child by Prof. Dr Milind Kirtane. The procedure was observed by ENT surgeons, audiologists, postgraduate students, and delegates as part of the live surgical learning experience.

After successful surgical implantation of the device, faculty members from the Department of Audiology conducted Neural Response Telemetry (NRT), confirming correct placement and functional integrity of the implant. The surgery was completed without complications, and the child was shifted to the postoperative ward with stable vital signs.

Prof. Cynthia Santumayor, Principal of Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing, along with her faculty, actively monitored the live surgery and postoperative audiological assessments, ensuring interdisciplinary coordination and learning.

Strengthening academic and clinical impact

The CME and live surgery programme served as an important academic platform, enhancing knowledge exchange between clinicians, surgeons, and audiologists. It also marked the beginning of comprehensive cochlear implant services at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, expanding access to advanced hearing restoration for patients in the region.

The Department of ENT expressed gratitude to the management, mentor surgeon, faculty members, and all participants for contributing to the success of the programme. With this milestone, Father Muller Medical College Hospital takes a significant step forward in advanced otology care, reinforcing its role as a centre for excellence in medical education and patient-focused innovation.