Doctor encourages early checks

Health Watch

AN early visit to the hospital is important in preventing serious complications for ear, nose and throat (ENT) patients, a doctor says.
The Pacific International Hospital (PIH) ENT specialist Dr Kiran Rai said the hospital dealt with around 1,400 ENT cases a year.
He said the common ENT problems seen at the hospital included ear and throat infection with further complications due to non-treatment.
“Tobacco is major cause of oral cancer and is preventable if consumption of tobacco products is avoided,” he said.
“Problems related to ear, nose and throat must not be ignored as they can lead to serious complications.”
PIH upgraded its ENT department with a treatment unit from Germany for specialised services.
Rai with more than 25 years of experience recently joined PIH as a full-time consultant.
He also treats patients with problems related to hearing loss, snoring, sleep disorders, throat infections, swallowing difficulty and voice problems.
The ENT department also use the services of Dr James Naipao, a senior expert ENT surgeon.
Rai said the department was well equipped to perform minor outpatient department (OPD) procedures as well as complex surgeries for various disorders related to head and neck.
“Advanced diagnostic and operating tools have made it possible to successfully treat disorders of ear, nose and throat with surgical and non-surgical methods.
The PIH medical establishments at Lae and Mt Hagen will also benefit from services of the expert.