Pune: In a remarkable medical intervention, a four-year-old boy from Ambegaon Budruk, who was unable to hear or speak since birth, successfully underwent a free cochlear implant surgery, enabling him to hear for the first time.
The surgery was conducted under India’s National Child Health Program (RBSK), which provides free treatment for congenital disabilities. The timely efforts of the Haveli Unit 2 RBSK medical team ensured that the procedure was completed within two months at Jupiter Hospital, Baner—without any financial burden on the child’s family.
Delayed Diagnosis and Urgent Need for Surgery
Kartik Munde, the child, was born with severe hearing loss, which hindered his ability to speak. His parents, initially unaware of his condition, sought medical consultation when he turned four years old and still could not speak. Doctors recommended cochlear implant surgery, but the cost, ranging between ₹7 to ₹8 lakh, was beyond the family’s means.
His father, a driver by profession, enrolled him in the ADIP scheme, a government initiative that funds such procedures. However, due to long waiting lists at Sassoon Hospital, there was no guarantee that the surgery would be performed before Kartik turned five—the age limit for eligibility under the scheme.
RBSK Team Steps In
During a routine health check-up at an Anganwadi center, RBSK medical officers Dr. Vijay Jagtap, Dr. Dhanashree Chavan, and pharmacist Sheetal Ghatkar identified Kartik’s condition. Understanding the urgency, they approached Jupiter Hospital in Baner, which agreed to perform the surgery for free. The procedure was successfully completed on February 26, 2025, and for the first time in his life, Kartik was able to hear his mother’s voice.
A Coordinated Effort for a Life-Changing Outcome
The initiative was made possible with the support of:
District Surgeon Dr. Nagnath Yampalle
Resident Medical Officer Dr. Vandana Joshi
State RBSK Advisor Dr. Sharad Darade
District Coordinator Ashish Puranale
Since 2019, RBSK has successfully facilitated cochlear implant surgeries for 34 children in Pune.
Dr. Vijay Jagtap from Haveli Unit 2 highlighted the importance of early diagnosis: “Children born with hearing impairment need cochlear implant surgery at the earliest possible stage for proper speech development. Parents who suspect hearing issues in their children should immediately consult an Anganwadi center or RBSK doctors for timely intervention.”
