Gujarat plans to improve access to advanced hearing restoration for children and enhance community health infrastructure, as announced by Health Minister Praful Pansheriya in the state Assembly. The minister highlighted the availability of cochlear implant therapy in eight hospitals across the state, including facilities at various prominent hospitals like Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad and others in different cities. These hospitals offer comprehensive services for children with congenital deafness, covering assessments, surgeries, and post-operative therapies to aid in hearing and speaking abilities.
The state government aims to provide free-of-cost treatment to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, covering the entire cost of surgeries and implants. Additionally, for families with annual incomes up to Rs 4 lakh, the government subsidizes 90% of the speech processor replacement costs post-surgery. Minister Pansheriya also revealed plans to upgrade Community Health Centres by increasing staff levels to ensure better healthcare services closer to residents’ homes.
In response to inquiries about cancer care in Banaskantha district, the minister mentioned that severe cases are referred to Ahmedabad for specialized treatment. Furthermore, he announced the launch of a nationwide vaccination campaign by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer free cervical cancer prevention vaccines to girls aged 14 to 15 years. The campaign in Gujarat will kick off in Ahmedabad under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, covering eligible girls statewide.
