Jena's statement came after he along with a 5-member team of specialists from the State reviewed the twins' health condition today in New Delhi.
"Jaga is fine but Kalia has not fully recovered. They will stay at AIIMS until both of them get well. We have requested to continue their treatment at AIIMS for some more time," said Jena.
Earlier, doctor Girija Ratha of AIIMS, New Delhi, had said that Jaga and Kalia are fine and they could be discharged.
"Jaga is fine but Kalia needs some nursing care. He (Kalia) has started eating food. We usually discharge patients in such condition. However, the medical team from Odisha will take a final call," Ratha had said.
Conjoined Jaga and Kalia were successfully separated after an 11-hour marathon surgery at AIIMS by a team of 30 specialists from neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery departments on October 25 last year.
Pushpanjali informed that a team of doctors from Odisha will visit New Delhi and inspect the health conditions of Jaga and Kalia. This will be followed by a discussion between the state team and experts at AIIMS. Only then a decision on their discharge from the hospital can be taken, she informed.
Earlier Bhuyan Kanhara, father of the separated conjoined twins had informed that the kids will soon be discharged from AIIMS and shifted to Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi. He also stated that the process for it had already begun and will be over within four days.
The twins from Milipada village in Kandhamal district with fused crania were brought to AIIMS on July 14, 2017. The siblings underwent a marathon of surgery on October 25 and 26 and subsequently went through a reconstructive and plastic surgery of the skull in a phased manner.
The twins, now without their helmets- specially designed protective gear that was provided to them during their skin grafting treatment, were seen playing with each other .
Sources said that Kalia, who was recovering slower than his sibling, is responding better. Similarly, Jaga, who was initially having problems in walking properly post-surgery, is now taking the steps without support. The risk of infection has considerably decreased now, informed doctors at AIIMS.
The two craniopagus conjoined twins, joined at the head from Milipada village in Kandhamal district were successfully separated after an 11-hour marathon surgery at AIIMS by a team of 30 specialists from neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery departments on October 25, 2017.
Notably, the matter came to the fore after OTV first broadcasted the news following which the State Government extended financial aid and other support for their treatment.
The siblings, who are still undergoing treatment at the Delhi AIIMS, are celebrating their birthday as separate individuals for the first time post surgery. The hospital authorities have made special arrangements for the celebration. Wearing new clothes, the two were seen enjoying the day with their parents and doctors.
Earlier, the duo got a new lease of life after a 11-hour marathon surgery on October 25, 2017 and later had celebrated New Year and Christmas at the hospital.
Sources said, health condition of both Jaga and Kalia is stable now.
It may be mentioned here that, OTV had first broadcast the news on the conjoined twins, following which the State Government had extended support for their treatment.
Jaga and Kalia had left their home in July, 2017 to undergo one of the rarest separation surgeries at AIIMS New Delhi.
Speaking to OTV, Kanhar said that Kalia is yet to recover and he is still given food through a feeding tube up his nose.
"Jaga is fine but Kalia is yet to recover as no significant development has taken place in his health condition. He is still getting fed with the help of tubes. He has some problems in the leg, his skull has not formed completely and skin grafting work is also not done," Kanhar said, adding that if discharged, Kalia should ideally be admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for better treatment.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Pratap Jena said, “We have requested AIIMS New Delhi to continue the treatment of Jaga and Kalia till they recover completely”.
"A collective decision has been taken at AIIMS that the twins need nursing care for their further treatment and there is no requirement of specialised doctors. Nearly, 99 percent of Kalia’s skin has healed while there is nearly 5 percent problem in Jaga’s skin and is slowly recovering. They both need nursing care,” said Mohapatra.
Mohapatra further said that Jaga has almost recovered after the surgery so there is no issue in taking him to his native place in Phulbani. But Kalia needs some more time to recover fully and he may be kept in hospital for two more months.
"We think that the chances of their recovery are high if they stay near their homes. It is a long process and they have already spent four months at AIIMS after the surgery and have recovered well. Therefore, further nursing care can be provided to the twins in Odisha," added Mohapatra.
Few days back doctors at Delhi AIIMS fitted a specially designed protective gear on Jaga’s head while Kalia is yet to get his own protective gear. The helmets have been made mandatory for the duo especially when they go outside since it would protect their head in case of any fall.
While Jaga has been given a helmet, Kalia is yet to get one. Doctors have made helmets mandatory for the duo especially when they go outside since it would protect their head in case of a fall.
On the other hand the state government has initiated the process to bring back the twins from Delhi AIIMS. Once they return to Odisha, their health will be monitored by local doctors.
Sources said the twins are likely to be discharged in the first week of March.
The condition of Jaga is quite well and he has recovered 98 per cent. He is able to move freely outside and exercise under the supervision of nurses while Kalia who is a little weaker than his brother and is likely to take six more months to recover fully, added sources.
According to information, a five member team of doctors from SCB Medical College and Hospital along with Health Minister Pratap Jena is scheduled to visit Delhi AIIMS to take stock of the health condition of the duo.
The twins who are nearly three-years-old now underwent a landmark Craniopagus surgery between August and October last year at Delhi AIIMS.
Speaking to newsmen, Odisha Health Minister Pratap Jena today informed that the twins will be discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi in the second week of March.
The Minister further said a five-member team of doctors from Odisha will visit the AIIMS, New Delhi to study the treatment method being administered upon the twins. The team would later ensure that there are no lacunae in their treatment once they return to the State.
Quoting AIIMS sources, Jena further said that both the kids are on fast path to recovery and the hospital has begun the process of their discharge.
The AIIMS sources stated that it is the decision of the parents whether they want to keep the children in New Delhi or take them back to Odisha. “If they agree, we might discharge and shift them to Bhubaneswar AIIMS or maybe they can be kept under the supervision of doctors at the SCB medical college and hospital in Cuttack from the first week of March,” sources said.
In a recent picture released by the hospital, Jaga was seen moving around on the premises of AIIMS on a wheel chair. The hospital authorities informed that there has been considerable improvement in the health condition of Jaga who has had almost 98 per cent recovery. They further stated that he is under constant supervision of the nurses and even takes a sunbath daily.
His brother Kalia, however, has a bit slow recovery and would need six months more to attain the condition Jaga has achieved, sources added.
The twins, who had fused crania, were brought to the AIIMS on July 14, 2017 from Milipada village in Kandhamal district. The brothers underwent a separation surgery on October 25 and 26 and later both also went through a reconstructive and plastic surgery of the skull in a phased manner.
Sharing his experience, Mahapatra stated that ‘it was a do or die situation’ when both the conjoined twins had come to AIIMS, New Delhi. It would have been more difficult if the kids had grown further.
Also Read: Conjoined twins Jaga-Kalia moved to general ward in AIIMS Delhi
A team of 40 surgeons including experts from Japan were involved in the complex surgery to separate the conjoined twins at AIIMS that was conducted in August 2017. The twins were earlier shifted to the AIIMS on July 13 after initial health check-up at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack earlier in July.
Also Read: Separated conjoined twins Jaga & Kalia ring in Christmas with adorable Santa caps
“It was a challenging surgery and possible only due to team effort and blessings of Lord Jagannath and people of Odisha,” said Mahapatra.
Mahapatra further stated that among the separated conjoined twins, Jaga is likely to be discharged from AIIMS within next three months while it will take slightly longer for Kalia.
Moreover, Mahapatra will continue to supervise and assist the medical team at AIIMS regarding the treatment of Jaga and Kalia.
The twins were joined since birth in such a way that they could never see each other's face. But for the first time they saw each other after their bodies were separated. The two appeared to be glad to see one another as Jaga touched Kalia's face and smiled when they were made to sit next to each other today.
The hospital authorities informed that there has been considerable improvement in the health condition of the separated conjoined twins since the surgery conducted on October 25 and 26.
Also Read: Conjoined twins Jaga Kalia stable after first phase surgery at AIIMS
The twins, whose crania were fused, were brought to the AIIMS on July 14 from Milipada village in Kandhamal district.
The AIIMS on Sunday also released a photograph of Jaga and Kalia spending time with their parents.
Official sources said, both Jaga and Kalia will have to undergo reconstructive and plastic surgery of the skull in a phased manner.
Also Read: Separated conjoined twins Jaga & Kalia ring in Christmas with adorable Santa caps
https://youtu.be/EAC4imaB4Sg
Talking to mediapersons in Bhubaneswar, Jena said as Jaga is recovering at a faster pace, he may be discharged soon while his brother Kalia still needs some more time to improve.
“After Jaga gets discharged, treatment of Kalia will continue at AIIMS. Both of them will return to Odisha together after complete recovery which will be a great day for us. The discharge procedure for Jaga has already begun,” said Jena.
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Jaga was recently photographed while walking with the help of a walker.
https://youtu.be/hep4dcz19Qw
After meeting the duo, the CM, who is on a three-day New Delhi visit to discuss important issues related to Odisha, said he visited AIIMS to see Jaga and Kalia.
“The twins seem to be getting on very well. I thanked the doctors for the remarkable job that they are doing and I also pray with the people of our State for their quick recovery and good health.”
Meanwhile, AIIMS, New Delhi director Dr Randeep Guleria also informed that the health condition of both Jaga and Kalia is stable. Kalia, who was taken off ventilator on Saturday, is also improving, he added.
Also Read: Separation of conjoined twins: Fragile Kalia taken off ventilator
According to sources, Kalia is being given semi-liquid food like milk and honey through a feeding tube up his nose.
Earlier on October 25, the twins from Kandhamal were separated after a marathon surgery which lasted around 11 hours at AIIMS. A special team comprising 20 surgeons including four Odia doctors and 10 Anesthesiologists led by AK Mahapatra and other paramedical staff had successfully conducted the separation surgery.
https://youtu.be/V60QTPw22KM
According to sources, Jaga is consuming rice, dal and eggs with ease and listening to music sitting on his mother's lap.
However, Jena informed that Kalia is still in ICU and under observation as his condition is showing signs of improvement.
"Health of Jaga is improving and he is able to eat different food items. Kalia is still in ICU and his condition is also improving as yesterday he was seen moving his hands and legs, which is a good sign," said Jena.
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Both are under the supervision of the doctors and their health is being monitored at regular intervals, he added.
https://youtu.be/6b1zqbxOFhE
Earlier, Neurosurgery Department head of AIIMS, Ashok Mohapatra, who is on a tour to Odisha had informed that Jaga had started consuming semi-liquid food like banana juice and rice pudding.
According to sources, Jaga was kept in isolation fearing contamination. His mother was allowed to go near him as he recognised and was responding to her.
Meanwhile sources informed that Kalia has also showed signs of improvement but is recovering slowly. He is presently in the ICU and a team of doctors are monitoring his each and every movement.
A daily report on his condition is prepared and is studied by experts, based on which his treatment and medication are being decided, informed sources.
The current phase after the separation surgery is very crucial as all are waiting for the twins’ recovery. The twins will be under supervision of AIIMS doctors for two more months, added sources.
Kalia had undergone a skin grafting surgery on his head. The twins were joined at the head.
"The skin grafting of head of one of the twins Kalia was performed earlier this week and thereafter he has been put on ventilator as his condition deteriorated," sources told IANS.
Sources said he is under constant observation of the surgeons. The other twin Jaga underwent skin grafting surgery of his head earlier and is recovering.
Doctors at the hospital had successfully conducted a 22-hour-long craniopagus surgery to separate Jaga and Kalia on October 25 and 26. The twins, whose craniums were fused, were brought to AIIMS on July 14 from Milipada village in Odisha's Kandhamal district.
The first phase of surgery, where experts from Japan were also present, was done on August 28. In it, a new bypass technique was used for the first time to separate the twins.
Earlier, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria told IANS that discharging the two, Jaga and Kalia, might take eight to nine months, as reconstructive and re-plastic surgery for the skull of the two babies needs to be done.
"Though the top of the brain has been separated, the top has to be re-grafted with skin, so that may take months. It's a long-drawn process and depends on how things go," Guleria told IANS.
Stating that skin grafting was not an easy task, Guleria said usually the skin is taken from some other part of the body and used where it was needed.
The AIIMS has also told the human rights panel that the twins medical requirements can be managed at any state-level hospital in Odisha having good nursing and pediatric support.
Jaga and Balia were craniopagus conjoined twins -- joined at the head -- which doctors had said was a very rare occurrence. They were successfully separated after a 21-hour-long surgery in October last year.
The NHRC had last month asked for an action-taken report from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) over a petition that sought to prevent the shifting of the twins to a hospital in Odisha.
The petition was filed by Supreme Court advocate and human rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy, who claimed that the AIIMS' branch in Bhubaneswar did not have the essential infrastructure for the treatment and care of the twins.
The boys from Milipada Village in Odisha's Kandhamal region were likely to be sent back to the state in the second week of March, the petition stated.
In its reply to the NHRC, AIIMS authorities said the children were thoroughly evaluated by a team of doctors.
The team included pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons, neuropsychologists and neurosurgeons, they said.
The team had concluded that after four months of surgery, risk to life is "very low" and they can be discharged and shifted back to Odisha for supportive and continued care, the authorities said.
"A team of senior doctors dealing with these children have met several times and feel that they can be managed at any state-level medical college or district hospital with good nursing and pediatric support near their hometown in Odisha.
"The team has reached a conclusion that after four months of surgery, risk to life is very low and there is no need for ICU or specialised care. Currently, they need good nutrition... and physiotherapy care for continued recovery," the AIIMS said in its reply.
It will be easier for the parents to nurse the children in their home state as "they have been away for over eight months now", the institute said.
"The constraint of beds in the neurosurgery department, CN centre, AIIMS, Delhi, can't be ignored and there is a more than two years waiting period for general neurosurgery ward admissions," the AIIMS said.
"We, at present, have more than two years waiting period for general neurosurgery ward admissions. Patients who can pay for admission to the private ward (cardio, neuro and CNT) have to wait for five to six months for routine admissions. We have been asked on humanitarian ground not to discharge Jaga for over three months now," the institute said.
"He has been kept in the hospital primarily because his parents come from a long distance (Odisha) and we wanted both kids to be ready to be discharged and sent back together with their parents," the response stated.
The reply mentioned that a team of five doctors from Odisha had visited AIIMS, Delhi, on February 26 and they examined the children and met the specialists dealing with the twins.
"It was explained to them that they do not need any special care at AIIMS, Delhi and that they needed nursing care and physiotherapy. The team from Odisha was convinced.
"Such care exists at any state/district level centre across country and in Odisha too," the AIIMS said.
The institute further informed the NHRC that even though the Odisha government had given Rs 1 crore financial support for these children, the premier institute had used only Rs 11.8 lakh.
The remaining money was transferred back to the Odisha government in December last year, it said.
"The entire stay at the hospital for both the children and their parents in two separate rooms over the last eight months and their logistics, and consumables (amounting to over Rs 25 lakh) was borne by AIIMS.
"Needless to say, a team of 35 consultants from various specialties, 40 doctors and 50 paramedical support team (nursing, technicians, physiotherapists) provided uninterrupted 24x7 care to these children as part of our clinical duty," the institute said.
The petition mentioned that the health condition of the twins, who have been staying at AIIMS since the operations along with their parents, needed to improve further before they could be sent to Odisha.
"Once they ... (are) sent back to Odisha, where the infrastructure and ancillary and incidental facilities are lacking, there shall be an imminent threat to their lives," it said.
"The facts and circumstances of the case also pose questions regarding the right to health and basic human rights of not only the children but of the entire family," Tripathy said adding that unless the NHRC intervenes, the "poor, uneducated ST family shall be deprived of justice".
The first phase of the surgery on the twins was performed on August 28 when the doctors created a venous bypass to separate the veins that return blood to the heart from the brain.
The final separation of the twin swas performed by a team of around 30 specialists on October 25.
As per reports, the tube that was used to feed Kalia has been removed and the toddler is having liquid food orally. A photograph of Kalia issued by the AIIMS authorities on Thursday featured the kid is sitting on his mother’s lap.
On the other hand, the other separated conjoined twin Jaga has completely recovered and seen visiting outdoors with his parents.
Earlier this month, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in a letter to Union Health Minister JP Nadda had requested to ask the AIIMS authorities to continue treatment of the separated conjoined twins, Jaga & Kalia. The CM appealed Nadda to direct the premier hospital to keep the twins until they become fit enough for home care.
Jaga and Kalia, the two craniopagus twins from Milipada village in Kandhamal district were successfully separated after an 11-hour marathon surgery at AIIMS by a team of 30 specialists from neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery departments on October 25, 2017.
The matter came to the fore after OTV first aired the news following which the State Government extended financial aid and other support for the treatment of the kids.
In an exclusive interview to OTV, one of the doctors at AIIMS, New Delhi treating the twins informed that while Jaga has shown tremendous improvement post surgery, Kalia is still recuperating from the separation surgery conducted at the hospital.
“Jaga’s improvement is beyond our expectation and his behaviour is just like any other kid of his age. There have been no significant signs of improvement in Kalia’s condition. But we are hopeful that he will recover fast,” said Doctor Girija Rath.
Rath further informed, though there has been some ‘developmental’ delays in Jaga, he however, has started to pick up and is recognising and remembering people.
There are some surgeries still pending and the neurosurgery team will take a final decision soon.
When asked when both Jaga and Kalia's discharge from the hospital, Rath stated that AIIMS authorities and Odisha government will take the final decision as it involves certain technical and administrative discussions.
It is pertinent to mention here that the two craniopagus twins from Milipada village in Kandhamal district were successfully separated by a team of 30 specialists from neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery departments of AIIMS, New Delhi.
OTV had first telecast the plight of the twins and their family and later Odisha government swung into action and extended financial aid and other support for the treatment of the twins.
It was indeed a heart-warming moment particularly for the family as well as thousands of people in Odisha who were praying for the speedy recovery of both Jaga and his brother Kalia since their separation surgery conducted at AIIMS on October 25, 2017.
Apart from this, Jaga was also seen driving a battery operated vehicle under the strict supervision of his mother.
Jaga’s brother Kalia on the other hand is also improving and is now being administered semi-liquid food. However, as his hands and legs are still stiff, wheelchair is being used for him. Both the children will be discharged from the hospital after their condition improves fully, said doctors at AIIMS.
It is pertinent to mention here that the two craniopagus conjoined twins from Milipada village in Kandhamal district were successfully separated by a team of 30 specialists from neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery departments of AIIMS, New Delhi.
OTV had first telecast the plight of the twins and their family and later Odisha government swung into action and extended financial aid and other support for the treatment of the twins.
Sources in the Odisha government said the twins are likely to be shifted back by the June-end. Recently, a team of doctors along with government officials from Odisha visited the twins to assess whether they can to be shifted back to the state for follow up treatment.
As per sources, the state government has sought that the twins be shifted by air in view of the prevailing heat wave conditions. It has also urged that a doctor and nurse from AIIMS who are familiar with the treatment of the twins accompany them during transit to avoid any mishap.
The Odisha government has also asked for a detailed discharge summary and history of the twins, including their current treatment schedule, details of diet, physiotherapy and medication and prognosis at the time of discharge to facilitate their seamless treatment in the state.
Besides, it has also requested the AIIMS authorities to provide the twins customised helmets along with physiotherapy chair as the duo has large skill defect on vertex.
The team consisting of crainopagus experts from AIIMS has met on several occasions and unanimously agreed that the two children can now be safely discharged from the medical institute.
Sources at the premier institute said Jaga is gaining weight and developing well like any normal children and is ready to go to school. Kalia, they said, is accepting feeds orally and via special tube (PEG) and he too is gaining weight.
The craniopagus twins from Kandhamal district of the State were taken to AIIMS, New Delhi on July 13, 2017 where a team of 40 doctors including experts from Japan conducted the 24-hour-long first phase of surgery later on August 28.
The final separation of the twin was performed by a team of around 30 specialists of the AIIMS' neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery departments on October 25.
Salini Pandit, Managing Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), today informed that AIIMS, New Delhi will soon issue an advisory regarding the mode of transportation for shifting the separated conjoined twins to Odisha.
"We had a discussion with the doctors' team of AIIMS engaged in the treatment of Jaga and Kalia. They informed us that the separated conjoined twins are now ready to be discharged and soon a date in this regard will be fixed," said Pandit.
Pandit further said that the AIIMS officials will soon issue a medical advisory regarding the 'best mode of transportation' for shifting the children to Bhubaneswar. After discharge, they will be shifted to a hospital in Bhubaneswar and necessary arrangements will be made accordingly for their treatment, she added.
The conjoined twins from Kandhamal district of Odisha were taken to AIIMS, New Delhi in July 2017, where a team of 40 doctors including experts from Japan conducted a 24-hour-long surgery on the conjoined twins in the month of August in the first phase.
Later, the final separation of the twin was performed by a team of around 30 specialists of the AIIMS’ neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery departments on October 25, 2017.
The twins, named Rabeya and Rukaya, turned three last month and suffered from a rare embryological disorder affecting an estimated one in every five to six million births.
They were "stable after the final separation," said Andras Csokay, a neurosurgeon with the Action for Defenceless People Foundation (ADPF) medical aid charity that performed the operation.
"But we have to be very careful during the postoperative period," Csokay, who headed the 35-strong Hungarian team, told AFP.
After the separation of their skulls and brains at Dhaka's Combined Military Hospital, Csokay's team began to cover the wound area with soft tissues generated by a tissue expansion process carried out in Hungary.
Prior to the surgery doctors had said there was only a 50 percent chance of both of the twins surviving.
According to ADPF, only a handful of operations to separate twins joined at the head have ever been successful.
The Hungarian charity was set up in 2002 by Csokay and plastic surgeon Gergely Pataki to provide free surgery to poor people in Hungary and abroad.
The parents of the twins, who are from Pabna, 120 kilometres (75 miles) west of Dhaka, approached the group for help in 2017.
In the first surgery phase in Bangladesh last year, the shared blood vessels of the twins' brains were separated in a 14-hour operation.
Then in a second six-month-long phase beginning last January, Rabeya and Rukaya moved to Budapest where doctors inserted a Hungarian-designed implant system to expand the scalp and soft tissue in their heads.
During the period over 40 plastic surgery interventions took place to fill the expanders, change the bandages and to perform laser and regenerative wound treatment.
ADPF neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons supported by anaesthesiologists, radiologists and pediatricians also used innovative virtual 3D animation software to map the two brains.
"This was one of the biggest most challenging malformations that I have ever seen," Pataki told AFP in Budapest last month.
The twins and Hungarian medics then returned to Bangladesh late July ahead of the final separation phase.
ADPF has performed around 500 reconstructive surgery operations in Asia and Africa, including for Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh.
With agency inputs.....
Informing about the development, Odisha health minister Naba Kishore Das stated that very soon both the separated conjoined twins who are undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi will be shifted to the premier state-run hospital in Cuttack.
“Initially, there were plans to shift Jaga and Kalia to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. However, the decision was scrapped after AIIMS Bhubaneswar, which is under the control of the Centre, refused to admit the children,” said Das.
Das further stated, “Be it facility or any other reason, the authorities of AIIMS Bhubaneswar have refused to carry out treatment of Jaga and Kalia at their hospital. However, Odisha government is committed to provide necessary treatment to the twins and provision for their further treatment will be done at SCB Medical College and Hospital.”
The decision is likely to provide some respite to the family members of Jaga and Kalia as they had earlier accused the State government of intentionally delaying the process to shift their kids back to Odisha.
Bhuyan Kanhar, the father of separated conjoined twins, had stated, “The condition of both the twins is stable now. Hence, they want to return to Odisha and continue the treatment here.”
The conjoined twins from Kandhamal district of Odisha were taken to AIIMS, New Delhi in July 2017, where a team of 40 doctors including experts from Japan conducted a 24-hour-long surgery in the month of August in the first phase.
Later, the final separation of the twin was performed by a team of around 30 specialists of the AIIMS’ neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia and plastic surgery departments on October 25, 2017.
The Health minister said the State government is ready to provide treatment to the separated conjoined twins and the SCB hospital has been asked to make special arrangements in this regard.
"The two central government hospitals have denied our request, following which the State government has decided to admit Jaga and Kalia in SCB Medical College and Hospital," said Das adding that the Railways has been asked to make special arrangements to bring them back from Delhi.
While there has been considerable improvement in the health condition of Jaga, Kalia has shown a slower recovery. As per doctors, it would take six more months for Kalia to recover fully.
The twins from Milipada village in Kandhamal district who had a fused cranium were taken to AIIMS on July 14, 2017. The brothers underwent a separation surgery on October 25 and 26 and later went through a reconstructive and plastic surgery of the skull in a phased manner.
Arrangements have been made for the treatment of the separated conjoined twins at a cabin in the Neurosurgery ward, he added.
“A six-member team of doctors led by the HOD of the Neurosurgery department has been formed for the treatment of separated conjoined twins,” added Moharana.
Two days back, Health Minister Naba Kishore Das had said that a decision on shifting of the separated conjoined twins Jaga and Kalia from AIIMS New Delhi to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack will be taken within a week.
The Minister had also said that the Railways has been asked to make special arrangements to bring the separated conjoined twins back from Delhi.
While there has been considerable improvement in the health condition of Jaga, Kalia has shown a slower recovery. As per doctors, it would take six more months for Kalia to recover fully.
The twins from Milipada village in Kandhamal district who had a fused cranium were admitted to AIIMS on July 14, 2017. The brothers underwent a separation surgery on October 25 and 26 and later went through a reconstructive and plastic surgery of the skull in a phased manner.
State Health Minister Naba Das today informed that the twins will be discharged from Delhi AIIMS on September 6 and brought to Odisha through New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express on September 7.
Later they will be admitted for treatment under the supervision of a team of doctors inside a special cabin set up in Cuttack SCB Medical College and Hospital.
A team of doctors from AIIMS, parents of the twins and officials of Odisha Bhawan in Delhi will also accompany Jaga and Kalia to Odisha. The State government has made extensive arrangements for the return of Jaga and Kalia in safe and sound condition and will also oversee the full treatment of the twins in Cuttack SCB till they become fit, informed Das.
Born to Bhuan Kanhar and Puspanjali Kanhar of Milipada in Kandhamal district, the twins, suffering from a rare craniopagus disorder, were admitted for treatment to Delhi AIIMS on July 13, 2017 with the help of Odisha government.
A team of doctors performed two phases of marathon cranial separation surgeries on August 28 and October 25, 2017 to separate the conjoined twins at the institute. But due to susceptible health condition, the duo was undergoing treatment at the AIIMS for nearly two years.
Ashok Mohapatra, former HOD of neurosurgery department at AIIMS, New Delhi, who played a very pivotal role in the separation of the twins said that he welcomed the State government's decision to shift Jaga and Kalia and take responsibility for their care.
"Their most basic requirement is nursing and pediatrics apart from neurological treatment. Jaga does not need special healthcare apart from a pediatrician, but Kalia might need special treatment which can be easily provided in the SCB," said Mohapatra.
“After conducting necessary tests, we found that Kalia is suffering from pneumonia. The doctors’ team of AIIMS New Delhi has been consulted and necessary treatment was provided,” said SCB Emergency Officer, BN Moharana.
Moharana further informed that a 14-member doctors’ team is engaged in the treatment of Jaga and Kalia who were admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital after they were shifted from AIIMS New Delhi earlier this month.
Born to Bhuan Kanhar and Puspanjali Kanhar of Milipada in Kandhamal district, the twins- Jaga and Kalia were suffering from a rare craniopagus disorder. The kids were admitted for treatment to Delhi AIIMS on July 13, 2017 with the help and assistance from Odisha government.
A special team of doctors performed marathon cranial separation surgeries in two phases- one on August 28 and the second on October 25, 2017 to separate the conjoined twins.
Following the surgery, Jaga’s condition improved rapidly but Kalia’s health continues to remain a cause of worry as he is suffering from certain deficiencies.
SCB Emergency Officer Dr Bhubanananda Moharana informed that Kalia's condition has been critical since Thursday evening as he is suffering from chest infection and pneumonia.
"Kalia was diagnosed with pneumonia and was given oxygen after his oxygen saturation came down. However, as his condition further worsened, he was put on ventilator support. Though his vital signs are stable, his condition continues to be critical even today," informed Moharana.
The SCB Emergency Officer further said that the State government and SCB authorities have requested the authorities of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi to depute two specialists - neurosurgeon, Dipak Gupta and Head of Paediatric Critical Care unit, Rakesh Lodha - for further treatment of Kalia.
The 14-member doctors' team attending Kalia in SCB also held discussions with AIIMS-New Delhi doctors via video conferencing and apprised them about Kalia's condition.
It is worth mentioning here that Jaga and Kalia of Milipada in Kandhamal district underwent a rare separation surgery at AIIMS-New Delhi in 2017 and returned to Odisha on September 7, 2019. While Jaga's condition improved significantly, Kalia continues to remain critical ever since their separation surgery.
“Kalia is breathing normally without oxygen and ventilator support for the last 72 hours. It is certainly a much better condition as compared to when he was very critical earlier,” Maharana said.
He further informed that the twin had to undergo strict diet in view of health complications earlier but now the monitoring doctors have enhanced his diet.
“Earlier, he was being served only milk and dry food but now we have increased his diet content and added cooked food in the meal. As per the instructions of the dietician, we are providing him Khichdi in lunch and semolina (suji) in night.
Born to Bhuan Kanhar and Puspanjali Kanhar of Milipada in Kandhamal district, Kalia and his twin brother Jaga, suffering from a rare craniopagus disorder, underwent marathon cranial separation surgeries in 2017 at Delhi AIIMS. After two years of recuperation, the separated twins were discharged and brought to Odisha in September 2019. But even as Jaga has shown significant improvement in health, his twin brother has not been so receptive.
Mishra said that an MRI of Kalia was done today and its report will be out tomorrow adding that a significant improvement can be seen in his condition. However, decision regarding his discharge from the hospital will be taken within a month.
"Jaga is completely healthy now and we are waiting for the MRI report of Kalia. It may take a month for Kalia to be discharged from the hospital," said Mishra.
Recently, the successful craniopagus surgery that separated conjoined twins Jaga and Kalia in 2017 was featured in the 2020 edition of the Limca Book of Records as the first such operation in the country.
Led by neurosurgeons Prof Ashok Kumar Mahapatra and Dr Deepak Kumar Gupta, a team of 125 doctors and paramedical staff separated the conjoined twins hailing from Kandhamal district, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.
Five-year-old Kalia's cremation was solemnised as per the tribal rituals in the presence of his family members, Block Development Officer (In-Charge) Sukant Kumar Nayak and villagers.
The Odisha government has provided Rs 2,000 under Harischandra Yojana and Rs 10,000 from the Chief Minister Relief Fund for the last rites of Kalia, one of the two separated twins. His brother Jaga, who is still under treatment at the SCB Medical College, is stated to be stable.
"The people of Kandhamal are saddened by the demise of Kalia. I have come here on behalf of the district administration and whatever aid is possible under the Red Cross and other government schemes, will be provided to the family members of Kalia," said Nayak.
Meanwhile, condolences poured in from various quarters following the demise of Kalia.
Expressing grief over Kalia's death, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted "Despite the relentless efforts of the doctors and the best treatment, the news of Kalia's death is very sad. May god gives patience to the bereaved family to bear the loss. Praying for the departed soul of Kalia and good health of Jaga during this difficult time."
"I am saddened to hear that one of the twin brothers of Kandhamal district, Kalia died while undergoing treatment. Despite all efforts, Kalia's life could not be saved. My prayers are with his parents and family members," wrote Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in his tweet.
Kalia had been suffering from several post surgery complications for the last few months. He had developed pneumonia and was put on ventilator support on September 28. His condition had thereafter improved and he was taken out of ventilator.
However, on Wednesday evening, his health condition deteriorated again and he had to be put on ventilator support. Kalia had developed septicemia and succumbed to cardiac arrest at 9.10 pm, informed SCBMCH Emergency Officer Bhubanananda Maharana.
Born to Bhuan Kanhar and Puspanjali Kanhar of Milipada in Kandhamal district, the twins were suffering from a rare craniopagus disorder. They were admitted to Delhi AIIMS on July 13, 2017 with the help of Odisha government.
A special team of doctors performed the complex surgery in two stages, first on August 28, 2017 and then on October 25, 2017 to separate the conjoined twins. After spending two years at Delhi AIIMS, both Jaga and Kalia returned to Odisha on September 7, 2019 and under the supervision of doctors at SCB Hospital since then. While Jaga was doing fine, Kalia was suffering from several complications for the last few months.