AP to start screening for early identification, treatment of deaf, mute children

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy, on 16 February, directed officials to initiate a massive screening programme to identify deaf and mute children at early stages and conduct surgeries along with treatment procedures.

During a review meeting, the Chief Minister said a special programme for cochlear implants should be developed and asked officials to conduct surgeries by detecting the defects at the early stage. The government's goal is to help people with disabilities and support them by offering ideal treatment, he said.

The Chief Minister advised officials to conduct screening for newborns, infants, and school children. The officials discussed integrating the deaf and mute screening with the vaccination‌ programme and conducting phonological tests for school students as well to detect hearing loss early and treat it appropriately.

Jagan emphasized on performing operations with MRI Compatibility and equipping PHCs and 104 MMUs with suitable equipment for conducting the screenings. In regard to this, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to prepare a comprehensive plan for the screening programme for early detection.

He said that all government hospitals in the state should be equipped to conduct cochlear implant surgeries, including every teaching hospital. He directed the officials to take up awareness campaigns and educate the public on these procedures.

The Chief Minister also asked the officials to resume eye surgeries under YSR Kanti Velugu that were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.