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25 Underprivileged Children Set to Receive Free Cochlear Implants

In a heartwarming initiative, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, is set to offer free cochlear implant surgeries for up to 25 underprivileged children under the age of five, with the goal of restoring hearing and transforming lives. This program underscores the hospital’s commitment to inclusivity and healthcare equity, ensuring that eligible children receive top-quality care.

The surgeries will be led by esteemed ENT consultants Dr. Col. Inderdeep Singh and Dr. Pradip Uppal, further guaranteeing that the highest standards of care are provided. Jupiter Hospital is collaborating with Hans Foundation, local NGOs and community organizations to drive this initiative forward, reinforcing the importance of community support in healthcare.

“Every child deserves the right to hear and communicate,” says Dr. Col. Inderdeep Singh, ENT Surgeon, Jupiter Hospital. “Cochlear implants can open up a world of opportunities for these children, allowing them to thrive in their communities. By restoring hearing, they enable children to speak and communicate effectively, attend school, and socialize with peers. The benefits of cochlear implant surgery go beyond the individual, positively impacting families and communities.”

To qualify for consideration, children must meet certain criteria: they should be under five years of age with profound bilateral hearing loss, as confirmed by a BERA test, and come from families with an annual income below ₹1.5 lakh as per the latest BPL guidelines. Additionally, a behavioral and cognitive assessment by a child psychologist is required, along with confirmation of normal development in other organs. The final selection of candidates will be based on medical evaluations and the hospital’s discretion, with conditions and guidelines applied throughout the process.

Parents are expected to demonstrate a commitment to their child’s post-operative care, including engaging in audio-verbal training, ensuring the child uses hearing aids for approximately three months before surgery, and providing ongoing speech therapy for up to one year, with therapy session charges applicable.

While the initiative aims to uplift the lives of these children, the hospital reserves the right to make the final decision on patient selection to ensure the best outcomes for all involved. Jupiter Hospital’s program not only restores hearing but also opens doors to education and independence, elevating the futures of both the children and their families.