Gandhinagar: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today inaugurated the country’s first Tele-Rehabilitation Center at Sola Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, making Gujarat the first state in India to establish such a centre in a government institution. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Health Minister Rushikesh Patel also attended the event. Additionally, the modernization of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology College at Sola Civil Hospital was inaugurated. A book titled “A Comprehensive Guide to Hearing, Speech, and Language Development in Children with Cochlear Implants” was launched to provide valuable information about cochlear implants. After inaugurating the Tele-Rehabilitation Center, Shri Amit Shah visited the facility and conducted a detailed inspection of its operations. He also had meaningful interactions with children who had undergone cochlear implant surgery, extending his heartfelt wishes for their rehabilitation and bright future.

It is important to note that children who have undergone cochlear implant surgery require speech therapy for rehabilitation. Previously, children from different parts of Gujarat had to travel to Sola Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad for these therapy sessions. Due to travel costs and a lack of auditory verbal therapy, patients living far from Ahmedabad could hardly benefit from this service. This often led to incomplete hearing and speech development in these children, resulting in unsuccessful outcomes in some cases of cochlear implant surgery. With a government investment of ₹ 25 lakh, essential infrastructure for Tele-Rehabilitation has been established with the support of RBSK, PIU, DEIC, and the Audiology College. This initiative ensures effective results from the program, helping children to speak and hear after surgery. Through Tele-Rehabilitation, children with cochlear implants can now receive speech therapy sessions at the District Early Intervention Center (DEIC). The therapy will be conducted via video calling in advanced soundproof rooms. These centres will also facilitate connections between paediatricians, audiologists, and RBSK workers. Previously, this service was only available through audio mediums. However, with the launch of the Tele-Rehabilitation Center, the entire therapy process will be conducted through video calling.

The Union Home Minister also inaugurated the modernized Audiology College. In a significant move to improve healthcare services, the government has allocated ₹35 lakh for the expansion and modernization of the college. This investment has facilitated the construction of seven new soundproof rooms that meet international standards. The newly established soundproof rooms will greatly benefit patients experiencing hearing, speech, dizziness, and swallowing difficulties following a stroke. These facilities will allow patients to receive comprehensive therapy as part of their evaluations.

The Audiology College has installed advanced Vestibulonystagmography (VNG) equipment. The VNG system will enable healthcare professionals to diagnose whether a patient’s dizziness is attributed to ear issues or related to brain function. This innovative addition to the college’s facilities underscores the commitment to providing comprehensive diagnostic services for people facing balance and vestibular disorders. Moreover, modern equipment known as Vital Stimulation has been installed for patients experiencing swallowing difficulties due to stroke, throat cancer, or other neurological issues. This device stimulates the muscles involved in swallowing. DeshGujarat