Govt launches programme for hearing-impaired children in Patna dist
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Patna: Health minister Mangal Pandey launched Shravan Shruti, a programme for early screening, treatment and rehabilitation of children with hearing impairment, for all 23 blocks of Patna district on Monday.
The programme was launched at an event held at Gyan Bhawan in the city in the presence of Patna district magistrate (DM) Thiyagarajan SM, who had first taken the initiative during his previous posting in Gaya in the same capacity.
Addressing a gathering, the minister said that the Shravan Shruti programme, first started in Gaya district by then DM Thiyagarajan, had been a lifeline for children born with hearing impairments.
"As many as 1,839 children, who could not speak a single word, started to speak," the minister said.
The DM said that a meeting of the district health committee was held two months ago to discuss cochlear implants for deaf-and-mute children. "The primary goal of the scheme is to help children with disabilities purchase modern, durable, and scientifically-designed aids and equipment to improve their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation and enhance their economic potential," he said, adding that a pilot project had been successfully run in Danapur and Phulwarisharif blocks over the past two months.
"Children at anganwadi centres were screened by the health department, and audiologists were deployed. The Rashtriya Bal Suraksha Karyakram team was directed to assist with the screening. Paediatricians were engaged to ensure newborn screening at health institutions," he said.
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