Health Minister, U T Khader, said that the government is planning to conduct a survey to identify people with hearing impairment in the State.
Speaking at the International Ear care day, on March 3, the minister said, “Cochlear implant surgery costs nearly Rs. 12 lakh and is not within the reach of middle class people. It is intended to evolve a policy to assist large number of patients by bringing Cochlear implant surgery under a government health scheme.”
Apart from holding discussions district health officers regarding this scheme, an attempt is also being made to rope in corporate firms for funds, said Mr. Khader.
He said that from next year March, the health department will be conducting ear camps. He distributed hearing aids to three patients.
Professor and head, E.N.T, Victoria Hospital, Bangalore, H. S Satish spoke about congenital and post natal deafness. He said, “Some of the causes for post natal deafness include childhood measles, mumps, side effects of drugs and trauma. In some cases, a patient may be able to manage with a hearing aid. But in some other cases, Cochlear implant surgery is the only alternative”.Courtesy:Karnataka Muslims
http://karnatakamuslims.com/portal/cochlear-implant-surgery-to-be-brought-under-government-scheme-says-u-t-khader/