With reference to Karnataka's initiative for children with severe hearing loss, consider the following statements: 1. Aalisu Kanda is the state initiative providing cochlear implants for children. 2. The state planned to procure 200 additional cochlear implants for the 2026-27 period. 3. A total of 675 cochlear implant surgeries were conducted during the 2025-26 period. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Karnataka plans 200 additional cochlear implants for children with severe hearing loss in 2026-27

GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Health policy & public health· Prelims· 22 October 2026

State-led healthcare for congenital disabilities: a GS2 Social Justice case study on inclusive development.

Why in news

The Health Department of Karnataka announced the procurement of 200 additional cochlear implants for children with severe hearing loss for the 2026-27 period.

Background

The Karnataka Health Department planned two procurement phases: 75 implants within one to two months and 125 implants within three months. The initiative follows 575 surgeries conducted in 2025-26.

Facts for Prelims

SchemeAalisu Kanda: A Karnataka state initiative providing cochlear implants for children.
SchemeShravan Dosh Mukta Abhiyan: A state-led initiative to address hearing loss.
FactKarnataka planned 200 additional cochlear implants for the 2026-27 period.
Fact575 cochlear implant surgeries were conducted in Karnataka during 2025-26.

Prelims practice question

With reference to Karnataka's initiative for children with severe hearing loss, consider the following statements:

Aalisu Kanda is the state initiative providing cochlear implants for children.
The state planned to procure 200 additional cochlear implants for the 2026-27 period.
A total of 675 cochlear implant surgeries were conducted during the 2025-26 period.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The note states 575 surgeries were conducted in 2025-26.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the significance of state-led healthcare initiatives in addressing congenital disabilities and ensuring inclusive development for children with severe hearing loss.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Accessibility gap: High cost of cochlear implants limiting access for rural and low-income families
Rehabilitation bottleneck: Need for long-term speech therapy and audiological support post-surgery

Keywords: Inclusive healthcare · Congenital disabilities · Public health infrastructure · State-led intervention

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: The Hindu ↗Also: GS2 · Government policies & schemes

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