Under the banner of the state government's 'National Child Health Program' (RBSK), four children aged between four and six have successfully received cochlear implant surgeries at no cost at New Civil Hospital. Specialist doctors from both Surat Civil and Ahmedabad Civil Hospitals performed these life-altering procedures, providing new opportunities for children who were born deaf and mute.
In private healthcare facilities, cochlear implant surgeries can cost between 8 to 10 lakh rupees. However, under the National Child Health Program, these operations are conducted free of cost at New Civil Hospital. This initiative has become a financial relief and source of renewed hope for affected families.
The children who benefited from these surgeries are: Kunal, a 4-year-old son of Somnath Marathe, originally from Jalgaon, Maharashtra and currently residing in Bhestan; Vaishali, a 4-year-old daughter of Laxmanbhai Ranavadia, originally from Senjal village, Amreli district and now living in Varachha; Prince, a 5-year-old son of Anilbhai Halpati from Bardoli; and Samar, a 5-year-old son of Narendrabhai Rathod, originally from Maharashtra and living in the Vedrod area of Surat.
The National Child Health Program has brought immense joy to the families of these four children who were born deaf. Relatives expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the government and medical professionals for their roles in providing a "new world of happiness" for these children.
Dr. Jamin Contractor, Head of the ENT Department at Civil Hospital, stated, "The earlier this surgery is performed on a younger child, the better and more encouraging the results will be." The hospital also plans to offer 'Auditory Verbal Therapy' (AVT) sessions for complete recovery, even up to one or two years after the operation.
Significantly, the program covers all costs, including pre-operative screening, tests, vaccinations, and even post-operative rehabilitation, saving families more than Rs 8 lakh per child.
The surgeries were conducted under the guidance of Dr. Ganesh Govekar, Medical Superintendent at New Civil Hospital. The team also included Dr. Neena Bhalodia, Dean of GMERS (Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society) - Medical College, and various other specialists from both Surat and Ahmedabad. Contributions from nursing staff, OT staff, and support staff were also instrumental in the success of these surgeries.
The successful implementation of these four surgeries underscores the effectiveness and potential of the National Child Health Program in changing lives and offering hope to families across the state.
