Peshawar launches cochlear implant programme for hearing-impaired children
A formal cochlear implant programme has been launched at the Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) in Peshawar to support children born with hearing impairments, according to Express News. The initiative has been introduced by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government in collaboration with Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal.
The HMC's ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) team has already conducted nine successful cochlear implant surgeries as part of the pilot phase.
The procedures, which cater to children aged between six months and five years, are now being offered under the government's flagship Sehat Card (Health Card) programme, significantly easing the financial burden on families.
Each cochlear implant surgery costs approximately Rs2.15 million. This expense will now be covered through a combination of support from Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and the Sehat Card initiative.
In a recent milestone, the ENT team, under the supervision of senior healthcare specialists, organised a two-day cochlear implant marathon at HMC, during which nine surgeries were successfully performed.
The hospital administration praised the collective efforts and dedication of the HMC ENT team, crediting their perseverance as a key driver behind the successful implementation of the programme.
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