LAHORE, June 5: Ganga Ram Hospital ENT Department Chairman Prof Dr Sami Mumtaz told a press conference on Tuesday the cochlear implant surgery for the people with hearing impairment would be done for the first time in Pakistan and five people would be operated at a hospital in Defense on Wednesday (today).

He said Korean doctor Daniel Lee will conduct these surgeries. Audiologist Rana Abdullah Masood and Dr Lee were also present.

Quoting a WHO report, Dr Sami said at least 12 per cent of people suffered from hearing problems in the country. He said 10 people with hearing disorder had been registered for cochlear implant and the surgery would also be performed in Islamabad, Karachi and Peshawar in the next stage.

Rana Masood said cochlear implant technology has already been introduced in India and Bangladesh and Pakistan would be the third country in South Asia. — Staff Reporter