NT NETWORK
PANAJI
With an aim to provide facilities for cochlear implants to the children suffering from a hearing disability, Goa government on Wednesday announced that it will soon tie up with the government of India to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim.
“I have been told that the success rate of cochlear implants surgery is maximum in children aged below five years. A special rate has been given to the government through the MoU where initially 20-25 children will be in a position to operate free of charge through the MoU and scheme with the government of India,” said Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.
A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear. Unlike hearing aids which make sounds louder, cochlear implants bypass the damaged hair cells of the inner ear (cochlea) to provide sound signals to the brain.
Rane said that the government is also planning to come out with its own scheme where the state will be in a better position to treat more children.
“The government is doing its best to provide these cochlear implants so that our little babies and children can hear much better! Let’s take this initiative forward and do our best to provide for all children suffering from disability,” he added.