In a landmark development for healthcare accessibility in Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur's Ursula Hospital has received central government approval to become the first district hospital in the state to provide free cochlear implant surgeries. This initiative, spearheaded by District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh, is set to transform hearing rehabilitation for countless families.
Central Scheme Paves the Way for Free Treatment
The pivotal authorisation came after the hospital secured empanelment under the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped's ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons) scheme. This program is administered by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The approval formally paves the way for life-changing procedures to be conducted at no cost to eligible patients.
Screening Identifies First Beneficiaries for 2026
The hospital has already begun the process of identifying beneficiaries. A recent screening camp conducted at the facility examined 42 children, out of which six were identified with severe hearing loss and found suitable for cochlear implants. The surgeries for these first set of children are officially scheduled for January 2026.
Dr. Praveen Saxena, an ENT specialist at Ursula Hospital, emphasized the transformative impact of this development. He stated that this facility will revolutionize the district's approach to hearing rehabilitation, offering a comprehensive solution that was previously inaccessible to many due to high costs.
Infrastructure Upgrade for Holistic Care
To support these advanced surgical procedures, Ursula Hospital is undertaking significant infrastructure upgrades. The hospital is currently modernizing its operation theatre to meet the standards required for high-end cochlear implant surgeries. Simultaneously, a dedicated audiology room is being constructed. This new space will allow the hospital to provide a full spectrum of services—including hearing tests, evaluations, and speech therapy—all under one roof, ensuring continuous and integrated care for patients.
The benefits of this new centre will extend far beyond Kanpur district. Residents from adjacent districts including Fatehpur, Unnao, Banda, Kannauj, and Hamirpur will now have access to this advanced treatment without the burden of traveling to metro cities or incurring prohibitive expenses.
District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh powerfully encapsulated the mission behind this initiative, asserting, "No child should be left behind due to expensive treatment." This statement reaffirms the government's commitment to making critical health services available and accessible to all, regardless of their financial background.
