As a medical journalist, I often find that the most revealing insights into healthcare emerge not from brochures or headlines, but from time spent inside clinics—observing consultations, asking questions, and listening carefully. During a recent visit to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Shama S. Kovale, a senior ENT Specialist in Mumbai, whose work spans the full spectrum of ear, nose, throat, and voice-related disorders. The conversation offered a grounded view of modern ENT practice in a large tertiary-care hospital setting.
Dr. Shama S. Kovale: Qualifications and Professional Background
Dr. Shama S. Kovale is formally trained in otorhinolaryngology, with recognized medical qualifications that include specialization in ENT disorders and voice-related conditions. Her academic background is supported by years of structured clinical training, followed by sustained practice in both diagnostic and interventional ENT care.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Kovale has managed a wide range of conditions involving hearing loss, sinus disease, throat infections, voice disorders, vertigo, and head and neck concerns. Her clinical approach reflects an integration of traditional ENT evaluation with newer diagnostic tools, a balance often seen among physicians regarded as the Best ENT Specialist in Mumbai, though Dr. Kovale herself framed her work in terms of consistency and patient safety rather than accolades.
Clinical Experience and Areas of Focus
During our discussion, Dr. Kovale highlighted the breadth of ENT practice, noting that it extends far beyond common infections. Her experience includes managing chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, voice strain in professional voice users, balance disorders, and pediatric ENT conditions.
She also emphasized the importance of voice care—a subspecialty that requires careful assessment and long-term follow-up. According to her, voice-related ENT problems are increasingly common due to occupational stress, lifestyle factors, and prolonged voice use, particularly in urban settings like Mumbai.
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital: Environment and Setup
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute is a large, multidisciplinary tertiary-care center located in Andheri West. During my visit, the ENT department appeared highly organized, with structured patient flow from outpatient consultation to diagnostics and, when necessary, surgical intervention.
The hospital’s infrastructure supports advanced ENT care through:
- Dedicated ENT consultation suites
- Endoscopic diagnostic facilities
- Audiology and speech assessment units
- Access to operation theatres with modern surgical equipment
Dr. Kovale noted that such an environment allows for coordinated care, especially in complex ENT cases requiring collaboration with radiology, neurology, or speech therapy teams.
Understanding ENT Treatments
ENT treatment encompasses medical management, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery, depending on diagnosis and severity. Dr. Kovale explained that many ENT conditions respond well to conservative treatment when diagnosed early.
Common ENT interventions include:
- Medical therapy for infections and inflammation
- Endoscopic evaluation of nasal and throat structures
- Voice therapy and rehabilitation support
- Surgical procedures for structural abnormalities or chronic disease
As an ENT Specialist in Mumbai, she stressed that patient education plays a key role in treatment success, particularly for chronic or recurrent conditions.
Benefits of Timely ENT Treatment
When appropriately evaluated and treated, ENT interventions can offer several benefits.
Potential benefits include:
- Relief from chronic pain, congestion, or discomfort
- Improved hearing, balance, or voice quality
- Prevention of complications from untreated infections
- Enhanced quality of life and daily functioning
Dr. Kovale highlighted that many ENT problems are progressive if ignored, making early consultation essential.
Risks and Limitations: A Balanced View
No medical treatment is without limitations. Dr. Kovale was careful to outline potential risks associated with ENT interventions, particularly surgical ones.
Possible risks may include:
- Temporary discomfort or swelling
- Infection or delayed healing
- Voice changes following throat procedures
- Variable outcomes depending on individual anatomy
She emphasized that risk levels are minimized through proper diagnosis, adherence to clinical protocols, and patient cooperation during recovery.
Approximate Cost Range: A General Discussion
ENT treatment costs in Mumbai vary widely depending on the nature of the condition and required intervention. Dr. Kovale explained that outpatient consultations and diagnostic tests typically fall at the lower end of the cost spectrum, while advanced procedures or surgeries involve higher expenses.
Factors influencing cost include:
- Type of diagnostic tests required
- Duration and complexity of treatment
- Hospital facility charges
- Need for anesthesia or post-procedure care
Patients are usually provided with individualized estimates only after evaluation, ensuring clarity without overgeneralization.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice Shared During the Interview
Aftercare is a crucial component of ENT treatment. Dr. Kovale shared several general precautions commonly advised to patients.
Typical aftercare guidance includes:
- Completing prescribed medication courses
- Avoiding irritants such as smoke or allergens
- Voice rest when advised
- Attending follow-up appointments
She also emphasized lifestyle adjustments, such as hydration and proper nasal hygiene, as supportive measures for long-term ENT health.
The Role of Communication in ENT Care
One recurring theme in my conversation with Dr. Shama S. Kovale was communication. She described ENT care as particularly dependent on patient feedback—symptoms such as pain, dizziness, or voice change are subjective and require careful listening from the clinician.
This patient-centered approach is increasingly recognized as a hallmark of effective ENT practice, especially in busy urban healthcare environments.
A Journalist’s Closing Reflection (CTA)
As my visit concluded, it became clear that ENT care is as much about precision as it is about patience—on both sides of the consultation table. In a city as dynamic as Mumbai, accessible and thoughtful ENT care remains essential for maintaining everyday well-being.
📍 Clinic Address:
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
📞 Give Us a Ring: +91-91528 50769
📧 Email: drshamakovaleent@gmail.com
