Kanpur: In a major boost to healthcare, education, and research in North India, Kanpur is set to acquire a national identity in the field of speech and hearing disorders with the establishment of the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) Satellite Centre.The institute, currently under construction in the Surar area, is being developed as an extension of the renowned All India Institute of Speech and Hearing. Spread over approximately 81,000 square meters and being built at a cost of ₹180 crore, the project is targeted for completion by Oct 31, 2026.Once completed, it will become the second institute of its kind in the country and the first in North India, reducing dependence on the Mysore-based facility.The center will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure on the lines of the Mysore institute, including advanced audiology laboratories, speech therapy units, hearing assessment facilities, and specialized training and research resources.District magistrate, Jitendra Pratap Singh, recently inspected the construction site and reviewed the pace and quality of work.He directed the officials to ensure timely completion without compromising on standards and emphasized regular monitoring of the project.The DM also said that the institute would play a crucial role not only in providing advanced healthcare services but also in promoting specialized education and research in speech and hearing sciences.The campus will include separate hostel facilities for 102 male and 102 female students, catering to learners from across the country. Construction of the medical block and pre-primary block is also progressing swiftly. The pre-primary unit will focus on early identification and intervention for speech and hearing issues among young children.The project is being implemented by NPCC Limited under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with technical quality supervision by IIT (BHU) Varanasi.
