LUCAS MUSISI
KAMPALA-C-Care IHK Hospital and Kampala Audiology & Speech Centre have collaborated to conduct 34 cochlear surgeries since 2017, providing hope and restoring hearing ability to individuals in Kampala. On March 2nd, 2024, two children regained their hearing following successful procedures at C-Care IHK, a pioneer in cochlear implant surgeries in Uganda. These surgeries, carried out in partnership with Kampala Audiology and Speech Centre (KASC) and Medel, coincided with World Hearing Day, eliciting joy among the beneficiaries and their families.
Cochlear implant surgery entails implanting an electronic device in the ear to enhance or restore hearing ability, particularly for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. Timely implantation is crucial for normal language development, educational attainment, and social engagement. This collaboration has significantly influenced the management of deaf individuals in Uganda, marking the 9th round of surgeries since 2017. Subsequently, recipients embark on a journey of speech therapy training with Kampala Audiology and Speech Centre.
Dr. Miriam Mutero, General Manager of C-Care IHK, emphasized the significance of reaching the milestone of 34 cochlear surgeries and highlighted the transformative impact these procedures have had on children’s lives. These surgeries, which typically cost between $20,000 and $30,000, have made life-altering healthcare accessible in Uganda, where hearing impairment is prevalent. In contrast, undergoing such surgeries abroad could incur double the expenses, ranging from $50,000 to $60,000.
Dr. Louis Okema, head of the audiology department at Gulu University, commended the successful surgeries and collaborative efforts between the institutions. Kunobwa Fiona Kamya, Managing Director of Kampala Audiology and Speech Centre, expressed appreciation for the partnership and dedication to enhancing the health of Ugandans with hearing disabilities. She also advocated for early screening of children, ideally immediately after birth, for timely management if indicators of hearing impairment are detected. Screening can be conducted at any hospital where the child is born, with those born at C-Care IHK undergoing a quick assessment lasting no more than 10 minutes.
With over 80% of people with hearing impairments residing in developing countries like Uganda, cochlear implants offer a crucial therapeutic intervention. The substantial number of individuals affected by hearing disabilities underscores the importance of initiatives like these in improving quality of life and promoting inclusivity.
About C-Care Uganda: Formerly known as International Medical Group, an umbrella company for C-Care IHK & C-Care IMC, C-Care is Uganda’s largest private healthcare network. It encompasses a tertiary, multi-specialty hospital and 20 clinics nationwide, providing easily accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to meet the evolving needs of the population. C-Care is synonymous with medical innovation and quality healthcare, offering seamless connectivity and accessibility to patients across Uganda.