Health Minister U.T. Khader has said that the government was keen to ensure that children did not suffer from hearing disabilities, particularly where it can be addressed by with cochlear implant.
Talking to presspersons here on Saturday, he said the implantation procedure would be tried on a pilot basis in Dakshina Kannada by covering 40 cases. The deserving children would be identified through a camp to be held in the Government Wenlock Hospital here on July 12. These children will be taken to Bangalore for the transplant, which will be done at a subsidised cost, the Minister said.
Mr. Khader said discussions were on with the Food and Civil Supplies Department regarding the supply of grains for the government’s initiative to provide food at a subsidised rate in government hospitals.
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Besides patients, the food could be sold to outsiders as well. The Food and Civil Supplies Department was willing to supply rice at Rs. 5 per kg, he said. The government was looking for an agency to prepare breakfast and lunch, he said.