In Uttar Pradesh, a state-sponsored health initiative is transforming the lives of children born with hearing impairments. By offering free cochlear implant surgeries to families from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the UP government’s surgical grant scheme is restoring not only the ability to hear but also the hope for a better future. The program, which covers cochlear implant costs of up to ₹6 lakh per child, is already making a visible difference in the lives of young children and their families across Noida, Ghaziabad, and other districts in the National Capital Region (NCR).
A Silent World Begins to Speak
Four-year-old Humera, from the small town of Dasna, used to live in a world without sound. But today, her eyes light up when she hears the jingling of her mother’s bangles. For the first time, she is discovering the magic of sound — one moment at a time. Humera is one of many children benefiting from the UP government’s initiative to support surgical interventions for hearing impairments.
In another part of Noida, the story of Naziya, a young girl from Bishanpura, reflects a similar journey. Her mother, Daniya Khatun, a factory worker and widow, recalls the heartbreak of realizing both Naziya and her brother Ayaan were deaf. “We noticed something was wrong when they didn’t react to claps or rattles,” she says. Medical consultations confirmed the hearing loss — news that came as a heavy blow to the family, which had already endured financial hardships after the father’s passing.
Private hospitals demanded over ₹4 lakh for surgery, a sum far beyond the family’s means. But then, a government school teacher informed them about the cochlear implant scheme. Unfortunately, Ayaan was not eligible due to nerve damage, but Naziya underwent a successful surgery. “Now she hears well. We use her sister’s phone for online speech therapy. Slowly, she is learning to speak. It’s like watching her step into a new world,” Daniya says with a smile.
Devansh’s Journey: Finding His Voice
In Dadri, five-year-old Devansh is also making progress after receiving a cochlear implant under the same scheme. His father, Satender Tongad, a daily wage laborer, says the procedure took place in Meerut a year ago. The family has since relocated to Kanpur for speech therapy. “We are hopeful he will live a normal and happy life now,” Satender shares.
Their stories are just a few among many. According to officials, 214 children from 63 districts received cochlear implants under this scheme during 2024–25, totaling ₹12.8 crore in medical aid. In Noida and Ghaziabad, where the scheme has been focusing on cochlear surgeries since its 2023 launch, eight children have already benefited.
How the Scheme Works
The selection process for beneficiaries begins at government hospitals and schools. Candidates are sent to Nutema Hospital in Meerut for thorough medical screening. There, doctors assess whether the child’s hearing nerves are strong enough for surgery.
Sudhir Tyagi, Divyangjan Welfare Officer in Ghaziabad, explains, “Not all children are eligible. The condition of the auditory nerve is a major factor. But when children qualify, the state covers the full cost.”
Ashish Kumar, Tyagi’s counterpart in Noida, emphasizes the program’s social value: “We are reaching more children by organizing health camps and block-level surveys. Our goal is to help families who could never afford this treatment. These kids deserve a full and independent life.”
Families Find More Than Just Medical Relief
For many families, the program represents more than just free surgery — it brings hope, dignity, and the beginning of communication. Humera’s father, Aas Mohammad, a daily wage worker, says that life has changed since her operation. “She used to be very quiet. Now, she laughs when she hears something funny and even tries to talk back,” he says proudly. With the help of remote therapy sessions, Humera is slowly adjusting to her new world of sound.
Conclusion: A Lifeline for the Future
The Uttar Pradesh government’s cochlear implant scheme is changing the narrative for children born with hearing impairments. By removing the financial barrier to surgery and offering structured follow-up care like speech therapy, the initiative is empowering families and children to imagine a brighter, more connected future. As more families learn about the scheme through schools, hospitals, and health camps, many more children may soon experience the joy of sound for the first time — and with it, the chance to live more fully in the world around them.
