Sruthitharangam ( Cochlear Implantation Scheme )

Description
The Government of Kerala launched the “Sruthitharangam Cochlear Implantation Scheme ” under Kerala Social Security Mission by the Social Justice Department, Kerala. This scheme envisioned providing free cochlear implantation surgery for children in the age group of 0-5 years, who are hearing impaired. The early identification and intervention procedures initiated within six months of age should be the golden standard for the holistic development of a child with hearing loss. Cochlear Implant is a proven option for the treatment of profound hearing loss. The child from poor families whose annual family income is below ₹2 lakhs are eligible to get the benefit of this scheme. This scheme is implemented through Government as well as selected empaneled private hospitals in this field. The objective of this scheme is to provide a cochlear implant to children selected by Regional and State level technical committees for cochlear implantation and to provide financial support for Auditory Verbal Habilitation AVH to operate children through empaneled hospitals/centers. Hospitals Covered Under the Scheme: 1. Govt. Medical College Hospital, Trivandrum. 1. Govt. Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. 1. Govt. Medical College Hospital, Kottayam. 1. KIMS Hospital, Trivandrum. 1. Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi. 1. Dr. Noushad’s ENT Institute and Research Centre, Ernakulam. 1. West Fort Hi-Tech Hospital, Thrissur. 1. Dr. Manoj’s ENT Super Speciality Institute & Research Centre, Kozhikode. 1. MIMS Hospital, Kozhikode. 1. ASCENT ENT Hospital, Perinthalmanna

Benefits
• Under the scheme, children who are hearing impaired will be provided free cochlear implantation surgery.
• **Note:** The children will be selected by Regional and State level technical committees for cochlear implantation.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a resident of Kerala State.
2. The child who is hearing impaired is eligible under the scheme.
3. The child should be in the age group of 0-3 years.
4. The annual family income of the applicant should be below ₹2 Lakhs.
5. **Note:** The Screening Committee would be empowered to make exceptions beyond 3 years and up to 5 years of age on a case-to-case basis; where the committee feels that a high possibility of success exists or if there are other compelling technical reasons warranting or making an exception.

Application Process
Step 1: Address for Communication:
Executive Director,
Kerala Social Security Mission,
Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695012
Phone No – 0471 2341200
Offline

Address for Communication:
Executive Director,
Kerala Social Security Mission,
Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695012
Phone No – 0471 2341200

Required Documents
• Proof of Identity
• Proof of age of the child
• Income certificate
• Copy of BPL card (if applicable)
• Copy of Ration card (if applicable)
• Residence certificate
• Passport-size photograph
• Child’s medical reports

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Sruthitharangam Scheme”?
A: This scheme envisioned providing free cochlear implantation surgery for children in the age group of 0-5 years, who are hearing impaired. The early identification and intervention procedures initiated within six months of age should be the golden standard for the holistic development of a child with hearing loss. Cochlear Implant is a proven option for the treatment of profound hearing loss. The child from poor families whose annual family income is below [?]2 lakhs are eligible to get the benefit of this scheme.

Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: The objective of this scheme is to provide a cochlear implant to children selected by Regional and State level technical committees for cochlear implantation and to provide financial support for Auditory Verbal Habilitation (AVH) to operate children through empaneled hospitals/centers.

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, children who are hearing impaired will be provided free cochlear implantation surgery.

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
A: Children who are hearing impaired are eligible under the scheme.

Q: Can all the hearing-impaired children avail of the benefits under the scheme?
A: No, The children will be selected by Regional and State level technical committees for cochlear implantation.

Q: Is this scheme only for hearing-impaired patients?
A: Yes, this scheme is only for hearing-impaired patients.

Q: What is the income criterion to avail of the benefits of the scheme?
A: The annual family income of the applicant should be below [?]2 Lakhs.

Q: Is this scheme only for a resident of Kerala?
A: Yes, the applicant should be a resident of Kerala State.

Q: What is the age limit to apply under the scheme?
A: The applicant/child should be in the age group of 0-3 years.

Q: Can a hearing-impaired child above the age of 3 years also eligible to avail of the benefits under the scheme?
A: Yes, the Screening Committee would be empowered to make exceptions beyond 3 years and up to 5 years of age on a case-to-case basis; where the committee feels that a high possibility of success exists or if there are other compelling technical reasons warranting or making an exception.

Q: Is this scheme implemented only in Government Hospitals?
A: No, this scheme is implemented through Government as well as selected empaneled private hospitals in this field.

Q: Where can an applicant get the application form?
A: The application form can be downloaded from the official website of Kerala Social Security Mission or can be collected from the office of the Executive Director, Kerala Social Security Mission.

Q: How can an applicant avail of the benefits of the scheme?
A: Application form duly filled and necessary documents to be submitted directly to Executive Director, Kerala Social Security Mission. Address for Communication:
Executive Director,
Kerala Social Security Mission,
Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695012
Phone No - 0471 2341200