After a team of doctors declared him fit to travel, separated conjoined twin Jaga was shifted from the SCB Medical College Hospital here to the Kandhamal District Headquarters Hospital near his native village on Monday. Along with his parents in an ambulance, Jaga was followed by two doctors in another vehicle. “The patient will, henceforth, be under the treatment of the district hospital at Phulbani; and in case of any emergency, the SCB Hospital facilities will always be made available to him,” said SCB Hospital Emergency Officer Dr BN Moharana. Jaga is likely to undergo surgery again for a skull reconstruction surgery, he informed.

Sources said special arrangements have been made forJaga’s treatment at his native district hospital, where a team of doctors comprising surgeons and paediatricians would keep a watch onthe boy’s health condition. The Phulbani doctors have also beenadvised to keep in touch with SCB Hospital’s professors andbrief them about Jaga, Dr Moharana said. Following an application from Jaga’s parents to shift himto their native district hospital, the State Government had directedthe National Health Mission Director to consider the case afterholding discussions with the district and SCB Hospital authorities.

Aftera marathon treatment of more than 18 months, Jaga finally returnedto his native place but without his twin brother Kalia. The twins had been joined by their heads from birth. With theintervention of the State Government, doctors at the AIIMS, New Delhihad separated the twins after a series of complicated surgeries in2017. After staying in the New Delhi hospital for over two years, thetwins were shifted to the SCB Hospital on October 27, 2017. But unfortunately, Kalia, who was not keeping good health since his return from New Delhi, died in November last year.