Introduction Sruthitharangam Scheme is a healthcare initiative of the Government of Kerala that supports children suffering from severe to profound hearing loss. The scheme provides free cochlear implant surgery along with post-operative rehabilitation services to help children improve hearing, speech, and language development. Initially launched by the Kerala Social Security Mission, the programme is currently implemented by the State Health Agency (SHA), Kerala, under the Health and Family Welfare Department. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive cashless treatment through empanelled hospitals. The assistance covers cochlear implantation, mapping and programming of the device, auditory verbal therapy, and follow-up care. The treatment package can cover expenses up to ₹5.20 lakh. Additional provisions such as annual maintenance assistance and speech processor upgrades are also available for eligible beneficiaries as per applicable guidelines. The scheme aims to ensure that children with hearing impairment receive timely intervention and rehabilitation, enabling them to lead a better quality of life and participate more effectively in education and social activities. Benefits Free cochlear implant surgery through empanelled hospitals. Cashless treatment package up to ₹5.20 lakh. Coverage of cochlear implant device and surgical expenses. Mapping and programming support after implantation. Auditory verbal habilitation and speech therapy support. Up to 140 rehabilitation sessions as per approved guidelines. Follow-up care and monitoring for up to two years. Annual maintenance support up to ₹50,000 for eligible beneficiaries. Speech processor upgrade assistance up to 25 years of age. No treatment cost payable by approved beneficiaries. Age Limit for Benefits Benefit Eligible Age Cochlear Implant Surgery 0–5 Years Children Aged 3–5 Years Subject to SLTC Approval Post-Lingual Hearing Loss / Post-Meningitis Cases Up to 12 Years with Approval Speech Processor Upgrade Up to 25 Years Maintenance Assistance Up to 25 Years Eligibility Applicant must be a child diagnosed with severe or profound hearing loss. Generally available for children up to 5 years of age. Cases between 3–5 years require approval from the State Level Technical Committee (SLTC). Post-lingual hearing loss and post-meningitis cases may be considered up to 12 years. Parents or guardians must be permanent residents of Kerala. Parents should not be Government employees. Parents should not be income tax payees. The child must have bilateral severe to profound hearing loss confirmed through medical tests. Cochlear structure and nerve condition should satisfy prescribed medical standards. All mandatory vaccinations should be completed. Any middle-ear disease must be treated before implantation. Parents must agree to participate in rehabilitation therapy for at least two years. Documents Duly filled application form. Self-declaration regarding employment and income-tax status. Ration Card copy. Birth Certificate (if applicable). Aadhaar Card of child and parent. Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Recommendation certificate from Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologist. Recommendation certificate from ENT Surgeon. Audiological and radiological evaluation reports. Joint medical checklist signed by specialists. Affidavit on ₹250 stamp paper after approval. Process to Apply Visit an empanelled Sruthitharangam hospital. Complete audiological, ENT, and radiological evaluations. Obtain medical recommendations from the concerned specialists. Fill out the prescribed application form. Attach all required supporting documents. Submit the application to the empanelled hospital. The hospital verifies records and forwards the case to the State Level Technical Committee (SLTC). After approval, submit the required affidavit. Undergo cochlear implant surgery and rehabilitation on a cashless basis. Empanelled Hospitals Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College, Kottayam Government Medical College, Kozhikode National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH), Thiruvananthapuram Dr Noushad's ENT Hospital, Ernakulam Dr Manoj's ENT Hospital, Kozhikode Medical Trust Hospital, Ernakulam Ascent Hospital, Malappuram KIMS Health, Thiruvananthapuram Baby Memorial Hospital, Kozhikode Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Ernakulam Important Links State Health Agency (SHA), Kerala Kerala Health and Family Welfare Department SHA Kerala Official Portal Sruthitharangam Scheme Details Contact Details DISHA Toll-Free Helpline: 1056 Phone: 0471-2960221 0471-4063121 Email: statehealthagencykerala@gmail.com FAQs Q1. What is Kerala Sruthitharangam Scheme?It is a government-supported healthcare scheme that provides free cochlear implant surgery and rehabilitation services for eligible children with severe hearing impairment. Q2. Who can apply for the scheme?Eligible children with severe to profound hearing loss who meet the prescribed medical and age-related criteria can apply through empanelled hospitals. Q3. What is the maximum assistance available under the scheme?The scheme provides a cashless treatment package covering expenses up to ₹5.20 lakh. Q4. Does the scheme cover rehabilitation after surgery?Yes. The scheme includes auditory verbal habilitation, therapy sessions, mapping, programming, and follow-up support after surgery. Q5. Are speech processor upgrades covered?Eligible beneficiaries may receive speech processor upgrade assistance up to 25 years of age as per applicable guidelines. Q6. Is annual maintenance assistance available?Yes. Eligible beneficiaries can receive maintenance support of up to ₹50,000 per year for cochlear implant accessories and spare parts. Q7. Can treatment be availed in private hospitals?Yes. Treatment can be obtained through empanelled private as well as government hospitals approved under the scheme. Q8. How can parents apply for the scheme?Applications must be submitted offline through an empanelled Sruthitharangam hospital after completing the required medical assessments. Q9. Is the treatment completely free?Approved beneficiaries receive treatment on a cashless basis through empanelled hospitals. Q10. Who implements the Kerala Sruthitharangam Scheme?The scheme is implemented by the State Health Agency (SHA), Kerala under the Health and Family Welfare Department.