Manipur Health Services director Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang on Tuesday announced that frequent and timely screening to evaluate cases of impaired hearing will be conducted in every district to detect and curb the rise of such cases in Manipur.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the World Deaf Day observance that was held at Khurai Sajor Leikai Community hall, Tinsid road. The programme was organised by National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD). The theme for this year’s observance is ‘Building Inclusive Communities for all’.
The Health Services director stated that such measures will help turn down the numbers of such cases and aid in early treatment of patients suffering from hearing impairment. Sasheekumar also assured that state authorities will strive to bring down the cost of medical equipment used for the treatment.
“We will bargain with manufacturing companies to cut the cost of equipment and make it affordable for medical institutes in the state,” he said.
He highlighted that certain cases related to hearing ailment are not covered under CMHT and Ayushman Bharat. He assured that he will strive to include such cases under the benefits of both schemes. Measures to enact treatment centers of such ailment in all medical institutes within the next five to 10 years will also be dispatched, he added.
He further pointed out that social revolution is the only key to bring drastic changes regarding such ailment. “Change in social consciousness and commitment to better the living environment will far more lasting results than scientific advancements,” he said
Giving her address as the guest of honour, headmistress of Deaf and Mute school Nongmaithem Kalpana Devi emphasised the need for all state service sectors to learn sign language, particularly in law enforcement and health sector. Inclusion can arrive only when the language barrier is brought down, she added.
She further stressed the need for inclusion of sign language into the regular academic syllabus of Manipur. Kalpana further urged authorities concerned to dispense necessary resources and upgrade the government deaf and mute school in Takyel.
State Mission director, NHM Manipur Dr Somorjit Ningombam; head of Otorhinolaryngology, RIMS Dr Th Sudhiranjan; Imphal East chief medical officer Dr Lourembam Indira Devi, officer in charge CRCSRE Ksh Rameshori among others were also present during the observance.
