Port Blair, Aug. 30: A new National Programme for Prevention & Control of Deafness, State Health Society, Directorate of Health Services was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp at ENT department, G. B. Pant Hospital on 26th August 2010. A screening camp for hearing impaired in collaboration with Madras ENT Research Foundation, Chennai was held on the same day under the supervision of Dr. Ashok Subramaniam, Joint Secretary (NPPCD), Directorate of Health Services. A team of three ENT Surgeons headed by Dr. Satya alongwith Mr. Ranjith, Audiologist & Speech Pathologist with his team, screened about 89 patients, including newborn babies and infants, who were thoroughly examined by the Specialists and also were advised preventive measures, and treatment. Some were advised to undergo surgery at G.B. Pant hospital. Audiological examination with sophisticated instruments like BERA, OAE was used to screen high risk newborn babies & infants. The programme assistant Ms. Kokila Ramakrishna assisted in documenting the screened patients. Similar camp was held in Dr. R. P. Hospital, Mayabunder, on 28th August 2010, under the supervision of District Nodal Officer Dr. S.K. Paul, Medical officer i/c North & Middle Andaman in which about 91 patients was screened.