· Emphasises on making neonatal screening a mandate in the country
Thursday, 29 September, 2016, Bangalore: Recognizing the need to drive awareness for neonatal hearing screening, Himalaya BabyCare in partnership with noted ENT specialist Dr. Sheelu Srinivas conducted the second screening camp for the underprivileged children at Adakamaranahalli Panchayat, Bangalore. Aligning the initiative with ‘International Week of the Deaf’, he camp was conducted to facilitate early detection of hearing impairment among children aged between0-5 years. Himalaya BabyCare along with NGO SHABD aims to address the urgent need for neonatal screenings in India by raising awareness for the same.
The first ever camp for hearing screening was organized by Himalaya in August this year which successfully conducted the tests for around 80 children from the area.
One in 1000 babies are born with significant hearing impairment in India every year and unfortunately due to lack of awareness and timely medical guidance, most of them grow up with hearing disability. Himalaya BabyCare recognizes that early screening and intervention can help address progressive hearing loss giving babies a better chance to develop language, speech, and communication skills. Infants with hearing loss which is not detected within 6 months of age have delays in speech and language development, while early intervention can help a child with impaired hearing to develop normal speech and language.
Working closely with Anganwadi workers, Himalaya BabyCare aims to bring change in infant care and development. Unlike other disabilities, loss of hearing tends to go unnoticed until later stages of a child’s development. Children with hearing loss often face social and emotional challenges, feel isolated without friends and report below average grades in school.
Dr. Sheelu Srinivas, Consultant ENT Surgeon at Dr. Sheelu’s ENT Center, who supervised the hearing screening camp said, “Statistics show that 1 in 1000 babies born from a high-risk pregnancy and 1 in 10000 normally delivered babies may have deafness. Without newborn hearing screening, it is difficult to detect hearing loss in the initial months and years of a baby's life. Neonatal hearing screening must be made mandatory to ensure early stage and timely intervention which in turn will promote language and cognitive development.”
Mr. N.V Chakravathi, General Manager, Himalaya BabyCare, said, “Hearing impairment is the second most common cause of disability in the country and hearing screening is extremely crucial to address its social and developmental impact. Through our first camp, we could identify 03 cases of hearing disability among kids aged 0-5 years which could have been addressed on timely detection and intervention. Through this initiative, Himalaya BabyCare hopes to increase awareness on neonatal health, provide early treatment and enable a happy and healthy childhood.”
About Himalaya Baby Care
Himalaya Baby Care products are enriched with 100% herbal actives and use the science of herbs to give you products that are effective, gentle and mild on your baby’s skin.
About The Himalaya Drug Company:
The Himalaya Drug Company was founded in 1930 by Mr. M. Manal with a clear vision to bring Ayurveda to the society in a contemporary form and to demystify the 5,000-year-old system of medicine.
Today with over 200 products spanning pharmaceuticals, personal care, baby care and animal health, Himalaya has reinterpreted Ayurveda, offering head-to-heel herbal healthcare for every member of the family. Products like Liv.52, Septilin, Bonnisan from the pharmaceutical stable have acquired blockbuster status today. In the personal care portfolio, Himalaya is the maker of the no. 1 face wash in India – Purifying Neem Face Wash.
Over the years, the company has received numerous domestic and international certifications for good manufacturing practices. The latest from SGS, France, certifies the company’s manufacturing, storage and supply of personal care products.