Bengaluru: Karnataka plans to provide 200 additional cochlear implants under its Aalisu Kanda programme in 2026–27, with the first phase of 75 implants expected to support surgeries over the next one to two months.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare Services said 575 cochlear implant surgeries were performed in the State during 2025–26. The programme, under Shravan Dosh Mukta Abhiyan, aims to help eligible children with severe to profound hearing loss develop communication skills and access mainstream education.
75 implants in first phase, 125 in second
The first phase involves supplying 75 cochlear implants to empanelled hospitals, with surgeries expected to be completed over the next one to two months.
Procurement of another 125 implants is planned within the next three months. These will be supplied to empanelled cochlear implant hospitals according to beneficiary requirements and patient needs.
Together, the two phases account for 200 additional implants planned for the 2026–27 financial year.
Screening, surgery and rehabilitation
The programme covers beneficiary screening, audiological assessment and eligibility verification, followed by surgery, postoperative device activation and mapping, and structured Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT).
Regular follow-up, parental counselling and rehabilitation are essential to help children develop speech and language skills and benefit from the implant, the department said.
Severe to profound hearing loss in children can affect speech, language development, communication and educational opportunities. Early identification, timely implantation and appropriate rehabilitation are central to improving outcomes.
Support for communication and education
The department said the programme is intended to improve access to cochlear implantation, support early speech and language development, and promote educational and social inclusion.
Timely procurement and distribution of implants are intended to maintain uninterrupted services and meet the needs of eligible children.
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