By decision of the Ministry of Health, the state cochlear implantation program within the framework of the Universal Healthcare Program is expanding.

As a result of the amendment, bilateral cochlear implantation will become available for children under the age of 4.

In connection with this matter, the Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, met with representatives of the Association of Otorhinolaryngologists of Georgia and specialists in the field.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the planned changes in the program and the issues of their implementation.

It was noted that the expansion of the program will significantly improve the development, speech, and social integration opportunities for children with severe hearing loss, as full hearing restoration at an early age is of particular importance.

It is noteworthy that the funding for unilateral cochlear implantation will continue within the framework of the program, which will remain available to patients of all ages based on appropriate medical indications. The state program also includes the necessary post-cochlear implantation rehabilitation services and therapy, which ensures the full rehabilitation of patients and the improvement of treatment outcomes.