INDIGENOUS AFFORDABLE COCHLEAR IMPLANT DEVICE LIKELY BY YEAR-END
Posted on: 07/Jan/2011 1:20:01 AM
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said, while speaking about the Sound Hearing 2030 Mission, that an indigenous cochlear implant device, costing under Rs.50, 000, was likely to be ready by the end of 2011. The DRDO is making all out efforts in developing such a device.
Anirban Biswas, president of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India, M.A.M. Ramaswamy were present in the function. Even though there have been very significant developments in the improving the cochlear implants, the equipments are still remaining out of reach of most people.
Mr. Kalam expressed that the government could also consider waiving levies on import of the device.There is a need to train sufficient number of professionals to meet the demand added Mr Kalam.
Pointing out that there are more 8 million people who are deficient in hearing need assistance and we need about 85000 professionals.
Mobile speech and hearing van tour rural areas in order to facilitate medical care for all with hearing impairments said Mr Kalam.
M.A.M Ramaswamy, Pro-Chancellor, Annamalai University, released the conference souvenir and spoke of the need to create cost-effective medical devices that would be accessible by common people – middle class and low middle class segment.
