Gomati Hospital has launched new Audiology and Speech Therapy OPD services for all age groups. Offering new-born hearing screening, audiometry, and voice therapy, the initiative ensures early detection and treatment of communication disorders every Tuesday and Saturday.
Gomati District Hospital has taken a major step towards improving healthcare access by officially launching specialized Out-Patient Department (OPD) services for Audiology and Speech Therapy. The new OPD, inaugurated on Saturday, will function twice a week—every Tuesday and Saturday—from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., serving patients across all age groups.
Dr. Kajal Kumar Das, Medical Superintendent of Gomati District Hospital, announced that the initiative is designed to address the growing need for early detection and timely management of hearing, speech, and communication disorders. “Our aim is to provide essential care for individuals, particularly new-borns, who may otherwise face long-term developmental challenges if such conditions remain untreated,” he stated.
Focus on New-born Hearing Screening
The newly launched services emphasize early intervention, especially for new-borns. On the opening day itself, the hospital recorded a promising response, with 15 patients undergoing consultation. Notably, eight of them were new-borns.
Bishal Chakraborty, the hospital’s audiologist and speech therapist, underscored the importance of new-born screening. “Early detection plays a pivotal role in ensuring that children can achieve normal speech and language milestones. By extending these services to all age groups, we are addressing a wide spectrum of needs, from children with speech delays to adults with neurological or voice-related issues,” he said.
Comprehensive Range of Services
The Audiology and Speech Therapy OPD will offer a broad set of diagnostic and therapeutic services, including:
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New-born Hearing Screening for early identification of potential hearing loss.
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Pure Tone Audiometry for accurate hearing assessment in patients of all ages.
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Voice Therapy to treat speech, stuttering, misarticulation, and other communication difficulties.
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Specialized Therapy for individuals with post-stroke complications or neurological disorders affecting speech and communication.
According to Chakraborty, untreated hearing loss or speech-related issues can significantly impact a child’s education, social skills, and overall quality of life. By providing affordable, accessible, and professional care within the district hospital, many families will now avoid the need to travel long distances for such critical services.
Integration with ENT and DEIC Services
The new OPD has been strategically integrated with Gomati District Hospital’s existing Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) services, which also operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This alignment ensures a holistic and coordinated approach to patient care.
Additionally, audiology services are being extended from the District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) complex on Wednesdays and Thursdays, further expanding access for local residents. Rupanwita Saha, DEIC Manager, highlighted the life-changing impact of newborn hearing screening. “Identifying children with hearing impairments at an early stage allows us to provide proper medical management and rehabilitation, preventing long-term developmental delays,” she explained.
A Step Towards Accessible Healthcare
The launch of the Audiology and Speech Therapy OPD marks a crucial development for Gomati District Hospital and the region as a whole. With a combination of newborn-focused services and extended care for older patients, the hospital is ensuring that individuals with communication disorders receive timely and effective treatment.
Medical experts stress that conditions such as speech delay, language delay, stuttering, and post-stroke speech issues require early intervention to prevent lasting challenges. With this initiative, Gomati District Hospital has positioned itself as a vital hub for specialized healthcare in Tripura, strengthening the overall medical infrastructure of the district.
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By providing these services locally, the hospital not only reduces the treatment gap but also enhances the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by hearing and speech disorders. This move is expected to benefit countless patients in the coming years, making specialized care more accessible, affordable, and effective.
