Smile Train completes 5.5L cleft lip surgeries

Visakhapatnam: Plastic surgeon and Smile Train Project Director Anjali Saple said that those having cleft lip can lead a normal life if their deformity gets treated early.

Speaking at a programme organised at Seven Hills Healthcare Private Limited here on Saturday, she said children with untreated cleft were often forced to live in isolation.

An early surgical procedure not only provides a solution to the problem many children suffer from but also make a dramatic change in their lives, she pointed out. "A cleft is the most common birth defects and its consequences are aplenty, including social isolation apart from difficulty in eating, speaking and even breathing. Unfortunately, most of them feel reluctant to go to school and secure a job as well.

Timely treatment can give them a new lease of life as early intervention would aid children in leading a normal life and help them in being a productive member of society," explained Anjali, who rendered 3,000 free surgical treatment to children with cleft lip. She said that one need not submit a white ration card to avail the free service and the staff would assess the patient before performing the surgery.

As part of 'Smile torch' journey initiated by the Smile Train India that aims at sensitising communities about the challenges faced by children born with a cleft lip, the torch reached Visakhapatnam. Partnering with hospitals, the Smile Train India has been facilitating cleft surgeries free of cost to the needy children.

The platform gave a chance for those who had undergone such procedures along with their parents share their experiences and encourage others to get treated as early as possible in order to lead a normal life.

Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and provide resources to undergo comprehensive cleft care to children. Speaking on the occasion, senior director – programmes, Smile Train India Leela Imam said the biggest challenge in cleft treatment were affordability and accessibility.

"So far Smile Train India has extended its support to 5.5 lakh free cleft surgeries in India for the past two decades. In AP, 7,300 free cleft surgeries were done associating with its partner hospitals in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Guntur. However, in Visakhapatnam alone, 3,000 cleft surgeries were done at Seven Hills Hospital," she mentioned.