5 kids operated free of cost under SSA's IED scheme in Manipur
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 06, 2014:
So far, five children have been benefitted from the �free corrective surgery' scheme under the IED (Inclusive Education for the Disable), which is being taken up by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), State Mission Authority, Manipur in collaboration with Shija Hospitals & Research Institute Pvt Ltd, Imphal.
Under the State SSA, free medical treatment is provided to all children between the age group of 6 to 18 years who have physical deformities and other illnesses, Ng Bhogendra Meitei, Additional Director, SSA, State Mission Authority told a press conference held under the theme "Free Corrective Surgery for Children with Special Needs" at the Shija Hospitals auditorium here on Friday.
Families and parents of such children can consult the office of any district SSA Mission Authority to get the benefit, Bhogendra said, while informing that Rs 34 lakh has already been sanctioned by the Government for implementation of the scheme.
He said that a maximum amount of Rs 6,000 can be spent on each child from the amount released for the implementation of the IED scheme.
Altogether, 30 children have been approved to avail the benefit for the current year.
But major illnesses related with kidney and heart which need huge amount of money for treatment are not included in this scheme, although a little bit backup is given to such patients, he added.
Bhogendra appealed to all to come and get the benefit to avoid social stigma and other disadvantages of life faced by children who are in need of help to lead a normal life.
As of now, he said, 27 physically challenged children have registered their names and started consultation at Shija Hospitals for free corrective surgery.
Dr Palin, Managing Director, Shija Hospitals, who was also present at the press conference, said operations on five children have already been completed and the hospital is preparing to take up surgery for another 17 registered children under the scheme.
IED scheme covers treatment for 10 different types of illnesses and deformities such as post-burn contracture, wry neck, cystic hygroma, ptosis, squint, clubbed foot, cong cataract, microtia, bow leg and low vision.