AP Govt to give free cochlear implants to kids

Hyderabad, Dec 2 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said his government will provide free of cost 'cochlear implants' to every hearing impaired child below six under the Rajiv Arogya Sri Scheme which will be implemented in five districts in the state from December 5.

Making the announcement during a meeting with the representatives of disabled welfare unions here, Dr Reddy said the government would provide the implant and also bear the cost of the surgery, totalling about Rs 7 lakh, to all children aged below six years.

The scheme would be implemented in Nalgonda, Ranga Reddy, East and West Godavari and Chittor Districts.

The government would also increase pension for the disabled which would be given to all physically challenged people under the third phase of the INDIRAMMA to be launched in April next.

Steps were being taken to introduce a scheme wherein a kilogram of rice will be provided at Rs 2. This would cover all the disabled.

Besides, proposals to give loans at 25 paisa interest to the physically challenged were also under consideration.

The Disabled Welfare Department has already started the process to launch the new scheme by constituting 'Disabled Samakyas' at mandal level, an official release said.

UNI