SMH doctors stress early attention to child hearing
“Good hearing is essential for a child’s learning, communication, and overall development. Early detection and timely treatment can make a life-changing difference.”
So declared Dr. Anbu Suresh Rao, Medical Superintendent and Senior Surgeon at Scudder Memorial Hospital in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, South India.  The occasion was the observance of World Hearing Day on March 3 by SMH’s Department of ENT. This year’s theme was “From Communities to Classroom: Hearing Care for Every Child.”
Scudder Memorial Hospital has a rich history. In 1820, Dr. John Scudder founded a dispensary in Ranipet which evolved into Scudder Memorial Hospital in 1866, eleven years after his passing. He was India’s first American medical missionary, dedicated to saving lives and spreading Christianity. Such service became a family tradition. His pioneering work led to more than 1,100 combined years of missionary service in India by 42 members of his family, spanning five generations.Â
The Scudder family became a South India legend.
It was Dr. Silas Downer Scudder, following in his father John’s footsteps, who actually founded the hospital in 1866.
Today it is an essential South India institution, with children’s hearing health being an important part of the hospital’s focus.
Posters played a key role in the success of the Hearing Day program.
“Healthy hearing today builds a brighter future for our children,” says Dr. Raj.
His comments align with the SMH pledge: “Through continued awareness and community engagement, Scudder Memorial Hospital remains committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to hear, learn, and thrive.”
No doubt thousands of people will be the beneficiaries of this commitment. Their lives will be better.
