Orthonova treats Tanzanian patient suffering from paraparesis

Sapna Dogra - New Delhi

Orthonova hospital in Delhi wrote their first chapter in medical tourism by successfully treating 70-year-old Olivia Lifiga from Tanzania recently. Olivia was suffering from paraparesis, a weakness of muscles of lower limbs. This is caused due to compression of spinal cord at vertebra level D12 and the only solution is Laminectomy surgery or spinal surgery, say experts.

Olivia's family ran from pillar to post to get Olivia treated in Tanzania, but to no avail. It was by a stroke of luck that Olivia chanced upon an article on Orthonova hospital on internet.

After interchanging emails on the treatment available and prognosis, Olivia was brought to India.

At Orthonova hospital, Olivia was successfully operated by Dr P S Gill, senior orthopaedic surgeon, along with an assistant surgeon, an anaesthetist, OT technicians and nurses. The surgery, which took place on March 31, 2005, lasted for about two hours.

"It was a risky area to operate upon and was a very difficult surgery. Laminectomy surgery at this level can lead to paraplegia, a disorder where patients can lose strength in their limbs and can become bed ridden for life," explained Dr Gill, adding, "Today with post operative care and physiotherapy, Olivia is able to sit

without anybody's help. "Very soon, she will be on her feet leading a very normal life."

Getting treated at Orthonova, proved rewarding for Olivia as she not only got the best medical help but the treatment was economical, said Aruna Thakur, an administrative officer at Orthonova who was first contacted by Olivia's family via e-mails.

"The total cost of surgery along with the stay of her husband for 16 days came out to Rs 1,60,000. It would have cost them Rs 7-8 lakh in Europe and other western countries," added Thakur.