Our Story: The Journey of Hashmath

On April 18, 2016, we welcomed our second daughter, Hashmath, into the world. Born at just 1.9 kg, she was diagnosed with Congenital Rubella Syndrome, leading to multiple health challenges—congenital glaucoma (partial blindness), hearing loss, a hole in her heart (PDA), and suspected genetic disorders.

Her early days were spent in the NICU, followed by surgeries for glaucoma and PDA. Soon after, doctors recommended a cochlear implant to restore her hearing. However, due to fluid accumulation in her ears, she had to undergo multiple preliminary procedures before she was fit for surgery.

Now, at 4 years old, Hashmath has already:

• Undergone multiple surgeries under general anesthesia
• Had a cochlear implant
• Undergone multiple brain ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, and genetic tests

Despite being a middle-class family with white-collar jobs (my wife is a BDS, MBA, and I am a B.Tech), the financial strain of Hashmath’s treatment has been immense. We had stable incomes, yet the cost of surgeries, therapies, and travel drained our savings. If it has been so difficult for us, imagine how devastating it is for families with limited financial means.

For four years, hospitals became our second home. In managing Hashmath’s health, our elder daughter also had to sacrifice precious time with her parents, as every family member stepped up to support her.

The True Cost of Hearing

Hearing loss is treatable, but affordability remains a major challenge. In 2018, after multiple tests, we finally proceeded with Hashmath’s cochlear implant surgery in Bangalore. The procedure involved extensive travel between Bangalore and Chandigarh, repeated hospital visits, and a long series of diagnostic tests.

Every step was an ordeal:
🔹 Shaving her head repeatedly for tests
🔹 Blood and urine tests for every clearance
🔹 Three failed surgery attempts before a successful implant
🔹 At just 2 years old, she was already familiar with the OT environment

When we thought the worst was behind us, Hashmath started showing signs of autism. With my wife’s medical background, we immediately sought early intervention therapies and modified her diet to align with her gut sensitivity. Today, our family follows strict dietary restrictions—no gluten, sugar, dairy, corn, refined oil, or processed food—all to give her the best possible life.

The Financial Burden of a Cochlear Implant

The cost of restoring hearing is staggering:

A. One-time expenses:
🔹 Surgery cost – ₹20 lakhs
🔹 Preoperative expenses – ₹4 lakhs (Consultations, hearing aids, travel)

B. Ongoing monthly expenses:
🔹 Medications – ₹10,000/month
🔹 Special diet – ₹10,000/month
🔹 Implant maintenance (battery, dehumidifier, etc.) – ₹15,000/month
🔹 Therapies (Speech, CBT, etc.) – ₹40,000/month
🔹 Total recurring expenses – ₹75,000/month

The Reality for Most Indians

• 4 out of 1,000 children in India are born deaf.
• The cheapest cochlear implant costs ₹11 lakhs, making it unaffordable for most families.
• The average annual income in India is ₹1.26 lakhs—meaning an implant cost almost 9 years' worth of earnings.
• Lots of Indians live below the poverty line—for them, this treatment is completely out of reach.

Why This Petition Matters?
Hearing loss is curable, but the cost is a barrier. A cochlear implant isn’t just about hearing—it’s about:
✅ Improved cognitive development
✅ Better social integration
✅ Higher chances of leading an independent, fulfilling life

We have fought our battle, but many families don’t even get the chance to fight. This petition is our effort to bring change—so that no child is denied the ability to hear due to financial constraints.

We Urge the Government and Healthcare Authorities to:
🔹 Subsidize cochlear implants to make them affordable for all income groups
🔹 Provide insurance coverage for the full cost of surgery and post-operative care
🔹 Increase awareness and early diagnosis programs for hearing loss

Every child deserves the gift of sound, communication, and a fair chance at life. Let’s work together to make this a reality.

Sign this petition. Share this cause. Let’s bring hearing within reach for every child.

#AffordableHealthcare #HearingForAll #CochlearImplants #HealthcareForChildren #EqualOpportunity