The state's health and family welfare department issued a statement on the health condition of Jaga after a thorough health check-up at SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack. AIIMS, Delhi's eminent neurologist Deepak Gupta was among the doctor's team that examined health conditions of Jaga, an official said.
Jaga's twin brother Kalia, who survived for over three years after surgeries, however, died at SCB Medical College and Hospital on November 25, 2020.
After he arrived at SCB medical college hospital two days ago, Jaga underwent MRI and CT scan tests under the supervision of Dr Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra of Neurosurgery Department on Friday.
A team of doctors headed by Dr Ashok Kumar Mahapatra and Dr Deepak Kumar Gupta from AIIMS-New Delhi, who had carried out the surgery to separate Jaga and Kalial, visited SCB Medical College and Hospital and examined Jaga on June 18-19.
Jaga, now 7-years-old, was found in a cheerful mood and playing with a mobile phone.
Then 28-month-old conjoined twins hailing from Milipada village in Odisha's Kandhamal district underwent the first stage surgery, lasting 25 hours, on August 28, 2017. The final separation surgery was done on October 25, 2017, which lasted 20 hours.
After spending over two years at AIIMS-New Delhi, Jaga and Kalia were discharged in September 2019. After returning to Odisha, they were admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital.
The state government had sanctioned Rs 1 crore from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the treatment of the twins.
Experts said that chance of such cases occurring is one in three million and barely 12 or 13 such surgeries have been done globally during the last 33 years.
"Both of them will be shifted to Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi. It will take around four days for the kids to be discharged from AIIMS," Kanhar added.
While there has been a considerable improvement in the health condition of Jaga, Kalia has shown a slower recovery. As per doctors, it would take him six more months to recover perfectly.
The twins from Milipada village in Kandhamal district who had fused crania were brought 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.
"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.
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.
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
Doctors treating the separated twins said Jaga is now walking with the help of his mother and hospital staff. He is taking normal food and is playing like a normal child. If everything goes right, he might be discharged from the hospital in the next two-three days, sources said.
On the other hand, the health condition of Kalia is showing signs of considerable improvement. He is currently undergoing treatment at the general ward after being discharged from neonatal ICU, informed sources. Ground food is being given to Kalia. He prefers egg and curd, AIIMS doctors said. A special team is keeping a close watch on him.
The twins were separated by a team of doctors at AIIMS after an 11-hour-long surgery on October 25. Odisha government has extended all financial support for the treatment of the twins.
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
Yesterday, Jaga was seen moving with the help of a walker in the hospital. Today, he was spotted trudging with help of his mother and smiling over his achievement.
On the other hand, the health condition of his twin brother Kalia has also improved a lot, informed sources. He opened his eyes for the first time today since he was taken off the ventilator on November 24.
The twins were separated after a marathon surgery which lasted around 11 hours at AIIMS, New Delhi on October 25.
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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/tNQgBVwRVYo
Following the separation surgery of the conjoined twins, both children have showed signs of improvement. Initially, it was Jaga whose health condition had shown considerable improvement.
Kalia had been put on ventilator support and was taken off on November 24 and shifted to the ICU. According to sources, he is being given semi-liquid food like milk and honey through a feeding tube up his nose.
Presently, a team of doctors is constantly monitoring the health condition of Kalia.
Born to Bhuan Kanhar and Puspanjali Kanhar of Milipada in Kandhamal district, the rare condition of Jaga-Kalia was first highlighted by OTV a couple of months ago. Subsequently, the district administration started treatment of the twins.
After preliminary medical treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, they were shifted to AIIMS, New Delhi.
They were separated after a marathon surgery which lasted around 11 hours at AIIMS on October 25. A special team comprising 20 surgeons including four Odia doctors and 10 Anesthesiologists led by AK Mahapatra and other paramedical staff successfully conducted the separation surgery.
https://youtu.be/fl4hpVNKSXw
“As Kalia is being administered dosages for suffering from epileptic fits, he remains drowsy and sleepy all the time,” added Jena.
He further stated that the other twin, Jaga, has improved a lot and is active. He is seen playing and taking usual diets.
“The State government is providing all kinds of support for treatment of the separated conjoined twins,” the Health Minister said.
Doctors at the AIIMS have been closely monitoring each development in both the twins following their two-stage separation surgery earlier last month.
The conjoined twins were separated after a marathon surgery that lasted around 11 hours at AIIMS on October 25. 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.
Jaga was taken off ventilator support on November 1 and was moved to the general ward of the AIIMS two days later.
The twins are likely to stay under supervision of AIIMS doctors for two more months.
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.
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.
Visiting the special ward at the SCB Hospital in Cuttack to take stock of the health condition of Jaga and his twin brother Kalia, Jena said that even though Jaga is fit, he needs a skull transplant for complete recovery so that he can go to school just like normal kids.
Jena assured that the state government will pay for all the medical costs accrued for the skull transplant of Jaga.
"Jaga won't be able to attend school for now as he doesn't have a skull and wears a protective helmet on his head. We will source the required skull for Jaga from the bone bank and perform the surgery. However, we will try to arrange as much as his studies here in the hospital until he is healthy enough to attend school on his own," he said.
Jena however said that the health condition of Kalia is still not well as he continues to remain under observation of the doctors at the SCB.
Both Jaga and Kalia have been put in a special two-bedded ward with ICU facilities at SCB where a special medical team is monitoring their health. The duo was recently released from Delhi AIIMS after staying under special care for over two years following a rare cranial separation surgery at the hospital.
Following a go-ahead from the State government, the administration has sent a two-member team of doctors to the SCB. The panel will discuss with the treating doctors and top authorities regarding Jaga's treatment before taking a decision on his shifting.
https://youtu.be/KxjS5cWJnio
"The State government had ordered to shift ‘Jaga’ from SCB to district headquarters hospital following which we have sent a 2-member medical team to Cuttack. The team comprising a paediatric and surgery specialists will hold discussion with the SCB superintendent and the HOD regarding the treatment and management," said Abhay Patnaik, ADMO-Phulbani.
A special '108' ambulance vehcile has been arranged for his shifting. However, SCB authorities will take a final call on Jaga's shifting,Patnaik added.
According to reports, the treatment which is currently given to the separated twins is available at the district headquarters hospital. Doctors at the district hospital are optimistic about providing better treatment to the separated child.
A special cabin has been kept ready at the maternity and paediatric ward for the admission of Jaga.
In November last year, Jaga’s brother Kalia had died due to septicaemia while undergoing treatment at SCB.
Born to Puspanjali Kanhar and Bhuan 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 had successfully 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, they had returned to Odisha on September 7, 2019.
They had been admitted to SCB after returning from Delhi AIIMS. While Jaga’s condition improved significantly, Kalia’s condition remained critical ever since he was separated.