In a significant move to address hearing issues among children, the Telangana government has extended the age limit for cochlear implant surgery under the Aarogyasri scheme from three years to five years. This decision aims to provide relief to children suffering from hearing impairments due to changing lifestyles. Aarogyasri Trust CEO Karnan issued an official circular in this regard.
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The surgery, which costs between Rs 6 lakh to Rs 12 lakh in private hospitals, is currently being performed only at Koti ENT Hospital, Gandhi Hospital, and MGM Hospital in Warangal. Since 2022, a total of 132 surgeries have been conducted in these government hospitals. However, the government is now planning to extend this facility to more public hospitals.
Given the high expenses involved, the government had previously restricted the procedure to prevent misuse of funds by private hospitals. However, the latest policy change allows private ENT hospitals to register as Aarogyasri-affiliated hospitals. This move is expected to improve access to quality cochlear implant surgeries, subject to approval from the Chief Minister.
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Under the Aarogyasri scheme, Rs 5.75 lakh is currently allocated for cochlear implant surgery for one ear, with the option to undergo surgery for one ear per year. To prevent misuse, the government plans to appoint district-level officers to monitor the process.
Medical experts highlight that cochlear implants can significantly improve hearing loss caused by viral and brain infections, making this initiative a crucial step in enhancing the quality of life for affected children.