~ The clinic offers a comprehensive medical and surgical treatment approach to patients with voice and swallowing disorders due to a stroke, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Laryngitis, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD)~

Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, a leading provider of health care services, launched its first-of-its-kind voice and swallowing clinic in Navi Mumbai. Combining state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly skilled professionals, and a patient-centered approach, this clinic aims to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of voice and swallowing disorders in the city and beyond. Chief guest Dr Nupur Nerurkar inaugurated the clinic located on the first floor in the opd section in Medicover hospitals.

Swallowing and voice-related problems are on the rise in the country, posing significant challenges to individuals’ overall health and quality of life. These issues encompass a range of conditions, from difficulty swallowing or choking while eating to hoarseness or complete loss of voice. While these problems can affect people of all ages, they are more prevalent among older adults due to age-related changes in the muscles involved in swallowing and vocalization. With a growing demand for specialized voice and swallowing healthcare, there is a need for a dedicated facility to provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans for patients suffering from voice and swallowing disorders. In a big move, Medicover Hospitals launched a voice and swallowing clinic for patients.

“Voice disorders can be seen owing to vocal cord nodules, cysts, polyp, vocal cord palsy, sulcus vocalis, muscle tension dysphonia, spasmodic dysphonia, vocal cord hemorrhage, faulty speaking and singing, laryngeal cancer, post phonosurgery or voice surgery, laryngectomy, stroke, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Laryngitis, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD). The common signs and symptoms witnessed in the patients are hoarseness, breathy vocal quality, chronic cough or excessive throat clearing, vocal strain or fatigue, inability to speak loudly, loss of voice, reduced pitch range or sudden change in overall pitch, sudden or gradual change in overall vocal quality and decreased breath support during speech. Dysphagia is commonly seen in stroke patients which makes it difficult for them to (communicate) swallow,”  said Dr. Naveen K N, General Manager and Center Head, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.  

Dr. Naveen K N added, “One of the primary advantages of having a dedicated swallowing clinic is its ability to provide early detection and accurate diagnosis for individuals experiencing difficulties in swallowing. This specialized clinic serves as a one-stop solution for individuals seeking diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. We offer the best services under one roof, and the treatment is tailored to each patient’s unique needs.”

“I am thrilled to open the Voice and Swallowing Clinic and provide exceptional care to patients in need. Our team is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals who experience voice and swallowing difficulties. We are excited to utilize the latest technologies and evidence-based practices to help our patients achieve better communication and swallowing function. At this clinic, patients can expect cutting-edge diagnostic technologies combined with evidence-based treatments to address their unique voice and swallowing concerns. The clinic offers a range of services, including but not limited to voice evaluations and therapy, swallowing evaluations and therapy, laryngeal video stroboscopy, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, vocal fold injection procedures and breathing and speech therapy techniques,” said Dr. Farha Naaz Kazi, Consultant Voice and Swallowing Surgeon.

“The establishment of a dedicated swallowing clinic will be a game-changer in providing invaluable support and relief to patients suffering from various swallowing disorders. I congratulate the hospital for taking this important step toward the patient benefit and introducing this clinic well-equipped with all the essential facilities and services,” concluded Dr. Nupur Nerurkar from Bombay Hospital, who has been a leading laryngologist in India and is credited for establishing the first voice and swallowing clinic in Mumbai over a decade ago.

Dr. Farha Naaz Kazi, a renowned specialist in voice and swallowing disorders, is the lead physician along with her team of speech and swallowing therapy specialists, Ms Nikita Kirane and Ms. Rebecca Grace.