Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Maharashtra, TMC to Fully Support Cochlear Implant Surgeries for Children
Some children are born with ears that cannot hear.
This is called hearing impairment.
There is a special operation called a cochlear implant.
It helps these children hear and learn to speak.
A very important leader named Eknath Shinde said the government will pay for these operations.
He said there will be no shortage of money for them.
He also said it is best to treat children when they are young.
At an event in Thane, children who had the operation acted in a play.
The play showed how happy families were when the children could hear and speak.
The government also gave money to help a family whose father sadly died in an accident.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on August 13, 2026, that the state government and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) will fully support cochlear implant surgeries for hearing-impaired children.
Shinde said there will be no shortage of funds for the operations and directed the administration to compile a comprehensive list of children requiring treatment.
He stressed early detection and intervention, saying corrective procedures like cochlear implants yield 100% effective results when performed at a young age.
At the TMC event, children who underwent the surgery performed an emotional skit written and directed by Kiran Nakti of Divyang Kala Kendra.
Shinde inaugurated Divyang Kala Kendra's talent discovery programme and handed a TMC financial assistance cheque to the family of the late Pandurang Bhuvad, who died in a July 6 tree-collapse incident.
- Who
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the Thane Municipal Corporation, and children with congenital hearing impairment, under the medical leadership of ENT surgeon Dr Pradeep Uppal.
- What
- Announcement of full state and TMC support, with no shortage of funds, for cochlear implant surgeries for children with congenital hearing impairment.
- When
- August 13, 2026.
- Where
- Thane, Maharashtra, at an awareness drive and celebration event organised by the TMC.
- Why
- To enable children with congenital hearing impairment to hear and speak, with emphasis on early detection and intervention for effective results.
- Deputy Chief Minister
- Eknath Shinde
- Bodies providing support
- Maharashtra State Government and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC)
- Location
- Thane, Maharashtra
- Event date
- August 13, 2026
- Lead surgeon and hospital
- Dr Pradeep Uppal, Jupiter Hospital
- Funding commitment
- No shortage of funds for cochlear implant surgeries
- Inaugurated programme
- "Shodh Kalakarancha... Divyangatil Kalagunanacha" talent discovery programme by Divyang Kala Kendra
- Other assistance
- TMC financial assistance cheque to family of late Pandurang Bhuvad, a July 6 tree-collapse victim