Music for patient's ears at KG Medical University

LUCKNOW: Bhajans, ghazals and Hanuman chalisa will now come to the aid of lung cancer patients at King George's Medical University (KGMU). In a first of its kind move among government medical facilities in the state, KGMU has established a system for 'music therapy' in the chronic ward of the respiratory department, as supportive treatment to allopathy.

Inaugurated on Wednesday, the step was taken after experts of the department cited international researches claiming chronic illness patients who are under massive stress and anxiety, respond better to medial treatment, in the presence of soothing music that helps in the healing process.

"Soothing music causes release of dopamine, a hormone which induces a good feeling and a positive energy in the brain and body. This has been found to improve the healing process of seriously ill patients who are generally bogged down by suicidal tendencies, frustration and anxiety," said Prof Surya Kant, head of the respiratory medicine department. "The trial run for the therapy was done on Tuesday by playing the Hanuman Chalisa and both patients and attendants responded positively," he added.

Started with a 30-bedded ward, fixed with a music player and four amplifiers, the facility will soon be upgraded to the other four wards of the 140 bedded respiratory department. "The facility for a music therapy in addition to the medical treatment being given, will be upgraded to other departments of KGMU too," said vice chancellor (VC) Prof MLB Bhatt.

Additionally, Prof Surya Kant opined that soothing music playing in the background of a ward might also bring down the number of scuffle cases between junior doctors and attendants. "It will also help in easing the pressure on the hospital by reducing hospital stay of a patient with heightened rate of healing," he added.