Quick Summary
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, for its achievements in detecting speech and hearing issues, including techniques to detect such problems in the womb.
- AIISH is celebrating its diamond jubilee and was described as “the voice for the voiceless” by the Chief minister. It is considered one of the top institutions in Asia for speech and hearing disorders.
- The Karnataka government provided free 10 acres of land to AIISH at Varuna constituency and expressed readiness to offer more support.
- According to the 2011 census, approximately 3.3 lakh people (0.5% of Karnataka’s population) suffer from speech or hearing impairments.
- Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao highlighted ‘Shravana Sanjeevini,’ a State-sponsored Cochlear Implant Program helping children overcome disabilities.
- The State aims to make Karnataka a “deafness-free” region with further expansion of such initiatives.
Indian Opinion Analysis
AIISH’s contributions towards addressing speech and hearing impairments underscore its pivotal role not just nationally but internationally as well,in aiding individuals with auditory challenges. The institution exemplifies how specialized healthcare facilities can transform lives, notably through innovations like early detection during pregnancy.
The government’s provision of land indicates recognition at an administrative level of AIISH’s significance; however, sustained financial support and policy prioritization will be crucial for continued advancements. Health programs like ‘Shravana Sanjeevini’ suggest Karnataka’s proactive approach towards disability inclusion-a goal that aligns with broader national objectives under public health missions. yet, achieving a “deafness-free” state hinges on expanding access statewide while maintaining affordability.
Read more: The Hindu