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Hearing Age Limit Raised for Cochlear Implants
13 Jun
Summary
- Cochlear implant age limit raised from two to five years.
- The decision was made during a meeting on June 11.
- Maharashtra health minister met with NHM officials to discuss health programs.
The age limit for children to receive cochlear implants through the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram has been 'in principle' approved to be raised from two to five years. This critical decision, announced by Maharashtra health minister Prakash Abitkar following a June 11 meeting with National Health Mission officials, aims to benefit more children with hearing impairments.
The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, launched in 2013, focuses on early screening and intervention for hearing-impaired children. The previous two-year age cap had restricted access for many, but the extension to five years is expected to enable timely surgical interventions.
Further discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing Maharashtra's public health infrastructure. Proposals included providing mobile phones to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) for digital record management and online reporting. The state also requested timely fund releases for ASHA incentives and various direct benefit transfer schemes.
Additionally, the meeting addressed strengthening diagnostic services and establishing critical care facilities and integrated public health laboratories under the Prime Minister-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. The Centre conveyed a positive approach towards supporting Maharashtra's healthcare initiatives.
