Smile Train India, in association with Shija Hospitals and Research Center, Imphal, is organising a three-day free surgery programme for cleft lip and palate patients in collaboration with Oking Hospital, Kohima from March 28 to March 30.

In addition to free cleft surgery, free medicine, hospital stay and travel cost will be supported for cleft patients.

Cleft Lip and Palate patients who wish to avail free surgery can contact Smile Train on Toll-Free Cleft Helpline: 1800 103 8301 or call 7629076763.

The three-day surgery programme will mark the 41st phase of Smile Train partner Shija Hospital’s Nagaland Cleft Outreach Program in collaboration with Oking Hospital, Kohima.

The programme was initiated in 2012 and so far it has provided 445 free cleft surgeries in Nagaland through this collaboration.

Smile Train India and Shija Hospitals and Research Centre, Imphal have provided more than 4100 free cleft surgeries in Manipur and neighbouring states since 2006.

Speaking about the Nagaland Cleft Outreach Program, Dr Kh. Palin Singh, Smile Train Project Director at Shija Hospitals said, “We are happy to have continued support of Smile Train over the years and its commitment to support world-class treatment for children born with cleft lip and/or palate, absolutely free of cost."

"Cleft is treatable and many children need help, but can’t receive timely care due to monetary constraints and lack of awareness and knowledge about this condition," he added.

"Together we aim to support every child born with cleft lip and palate in Nagaland," he further said

In India, it is estimated that over 35,000 babies are born with clefts every year. Hundreds of thousands of children with untreated clefts live in isolation, but more importantly, have difficulty eating, breathing, and speaking, as their families cannot afford the life-transforming cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care they need.

Smile Train India’s sustainable model focuses on training and empowering local medical professionals to provide cleft treatment in their own communities.

Through this sustainable model, Smile Train India has supported more than 625,000+ free cleft surgeries across India, through a network of 150+ partner hospitals.