The government of India has empanelled Rajindra Government Medical College and Hospital, Patiala, for cochlear implant surgery under the ADIP scheme. Under the able guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Medical Education and Research Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Rajindra Hospital & Medical College, Patiala, is ready to start the long-awaited cochlear implant surgeries, which would be done free of cost for poor patients. Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan) (AYJNISHD (D)) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
All surgeries shall be done by a team of specialist doctors, Dr. Sanjeev Bhagat, Prof. and Head, and Dr. Vishav Yadav, Assistant Professor, from the ENT Department. Prof. Sanjeev Bhagat said, “Any child below 5 years of age will be eligible for the implant regardless of family income. The cochlear implant surgery costs around 7 lakhs. It will be free of charge for people with a monthly income below Rs 22,500. One whose income falls between Rs 22,500 and Rs 30,000 will have to bear 50% of the cost of surgery. After the surgery, the child will receive speech therapy.
Divulging further details, Dr. Rajan Singla, Director Principal, Rajindra Hospital & Medical College, said, “The entire set-up of the cochlear implant will be created in the existing ENT department. A separate audiology wing will be built for cochlear implant patients rehabilitation. Once this facility is fully functional, people from Punjab won’t have to travel to PGI Chandigarh. It will decrease the burden on the patients”. Dr. Harnam Singh Rekhi, Medical Superintendent, Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, said, “Very soon, all the necessary infrastructure and manpower required will be procured on a priority basis to make this project successful.”
