Inside the Practice of a Best ENT Specialist in Mumbai: My Interview with Dr. Shama S Kovale
- Pooja Vishwakarma
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
As a medical journalist, I have visited many tertiary hospitals across India, but my recent visit to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital offered a particularly structured view into modern ENT practice. I was there to meet Dr. Shama S Kovale, widely recognised as one of the best ENT specialist in Mumbai, to understand how clinical expertise, technology, and patient-centred care intersect in a high-volume, multidisciplinary setting.
From the outset, the interaction felt more academic than promotional—grounded in clinical reasoning, evidence-based protocols, and real-world patient outcomes.
Dr. Shama S Kovale: Qualifications and Clinical Background
Dr. Shama S Kovale is a senior consultant in Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute. Her academic foundation includes an MBBS degree followed by a Master’s qualification in ENT, supported by advanced training in diagnostic and surgical management of ear, nose, throat, and voice disorders.
According to information published on Voice of ENT, her career reflects several years of hands-on experience across both medical and surgical ENT care. Her work spans routine ENT conditions as well as complex subspecialty areas such as voice disorders, sinus disease, airway evaluation, and minimally invasive ENT procedures.
What stood out during the interview was her emphasis on structured diagnosis—using symptom correlation, endoscopic assessment, and imaging when required—before moving toward intervention. This methodical approach aligns with why she is often referred to as a Best ENT Specialist in Mumbai in academic and patient-education contexts.
Clinical Experience and Areas of Expertise
Dr. Kovale’s clinical experience encompasses a wide spectrum of ENT conditions, including:
Chronic sinusitis and nasal obstruction
Voice disorders and hoarseness
Ear infections, hearing issues, and vertigo
Throat infections and swallowing difficulties
Allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps
She explained that ENT is often underestimated as a specialty limited to infections. In reality, it overlaps with neurology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and even oncology. This interdisciplinary overlap is especially evident in a tertiary-care hospital environment.
Her role at Kokilaben Hospital allows access to advanced diagnostic tools, including nasal endoscopy, audiology labs, voice analysis systems, and imaging support—resources that significantly influence diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
Inside Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital: ENT Setup and Environment
The ENT department at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital reflects the hospital’s broader emphasis on integrated care. During my visit, the outpatient area appeared systematically organised, with clearly demarcated diagnostic and consultation spaces.
Procedure rooms are equipped for endoscopic examinations and minor interventions, while surgical cases are managed within advanced operating theatres supported by anaesthesia and critical care teams. Dr. Kovale noted that such infrastructure allows ENT specialists to manage both routine and complex cases under one roof—reducing fragmentation of care.
From a journalistic standpoint, the environment felt clinical rather than commercial—focused on protocols, documentation, and multidisciplinary coordination. This context is particularly relevant when evaluating an ENT Specialist in Mumbai working within a corporate hospital system.
Understanding ENT Treatments: Benefits and Risks
ENT treatments range from conservative medical management to surgical intervention, depending on diagnosis and severity.
Potential benefits include:
Symptom relief (nasal blockage, ear pain, voice strain)
Improved breathing, hearing, and speech quality
Prevention of recurrent infections
Enhanced quality of life and daily functioning
However, Dr. Kovale was clear in outlining that no treatment is without risk.
Possible risks may include:
Temporary discomfort after procedures
Bleeding or infection following surgical intervention
Voice fatigue or irritation after certain treatments
Variability in response to medical therapy
She stressed that risk assessment is always individualised, factoring in patient age, comorbidities, occupational voice use, and lifestyle factors.
Approximate Cost Range: A General Perspective
Discussing costs, Dr. Kovale maintained a neutral stance, explaining that ENT treatment expenses in Mumbai can vary widely. Consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and procedures depend on:
Nature of the ENT condition
Need for imaging or endoscopy
Whether treatment is medical or surgical
Hospital infrastructure and length of care
In general terms, outpatient ENT consultations in tertiary hospitals fall within a moderate range, while surgical procedures may involve higher costs depending on complexity and hospital stay. She emphasised that transparency and counselling are essential before initiating any treatment plan.
Precautions and Aftercare: Clinical Advice Shared
During our discussion, Dr. Kovale highlighted several commonly shared precautions and aftercare principles:
Before treatment:
Avoid self-medication, especially nasal sprays or antibiotics
Report previous surgeries, allergies, or voice strain history
Follow pre-procedure instructions carefully if endoscopy is planned
After treatment or procedures:
Adhere strictly to prescribed medications
Avoid vocal overuse when advised
Maintain nasal hygiene if recommended
Attend scheduled follow-ups to assess recovery
She underscored that ENT conditions often relapse when aftercare is ignored—particularly in voice disorders and sinus disease.
Reflections from the Visit
As a medical journalist, what remained with me after the interview was how ENT practice today blends technology with listening—both literally and clinically. Dr. Shama S Kovale’s approach reflects a balance between intervention and restraint, using procedures only when clearly indicated.
In a city with abundant healthcare options, patients often search for the best ENT specialist in Mumbai based on reputation alone. This visit reinforced that clinical clarity, structured evaluation, and patient education are equally important markers of quality care.
📍 Clinic Address:
📞 Give Us a Ring: +91-91528 50769
📧 Email: drshamakovaleent@gmail.com
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