New Delhi: A 32-year-old Ayushman Bharat beneficiary from Haryana’s Faridabad, who was surviving on a liquid diet for nearly two months while awaiting a jaw surgery, has undergone tumour removal and initial reconstruction at AIIMS.TOI highlighted the case of Dolly Mandal, reporting that she was waiting for financial clearance under a govt health scheme for tumour removal and jaw reconstruction. The report raised concerns over delays in fund sanction and the toll on her health. Prof Rima Dada, media cell in-charge at AIIMS, said the patient was admitted and operated upon, addressing the urgent medical need. “Initial reconstruction was completed,” she said. The treating doctor said that in many such cases, patients are able to function well with the initial reconstruction itself and might not necessarily require a more advanced secondary procedure. “Final or advanced reconstruction is considered only if required and subject to availability of funds,” the doctor added. According to hospital officials, the removal of the tumour was medically necessary to prevent further deterioration of the jaw and protect normal function. The required reconstruction was carried out as part of the same surgical procedure, in line with the treatment plan. AIIMS said the patient was stable.Mandal had approached AIIMS with a jaw tumour that required surgical removal along with reconstruction to restore facial structure and chewing function. As an Ayushman Bharat beneficiary from Haryana, she was awaiting financial clearance for the procedure. During this period, she remained on a liquid diet due to difficulty in chewing.
