Shija Cleft Week from Apr 17
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 16 2017:
Shija Hospitals & Research Institute (SHRI) will launch 'Shija Cleft Week' under its Smile Train Cleft Project on April 17 at SHRI, Langol.
The aim of launching 'Shija Cleft Week' is to render free cleft operations.
Dr Kh Palin Singh, managing director, SHRI said that after successfully conducting surgeries on cleft patients in Myanmar and Manipur, the Centre has further directed Shija Hospitals to conduct similar surgeries in the State and spread awareness on the benefits of such surgery.
Dr Palin said, "Smile Train Shija Cleft Project has gained popularity not only in the State but also in other North East States including Mizoram, Assam, Tripura and Nagaland.
Since the inception of Smile Train Shia Cleft Project in June 2006, more than 3,500 cleft patients were successfully operated free of cost" .
"Many did not turn up to avail the benefit due to superstition and ignorance.
Number of cleft patients in underdeveloped countries and countries lying along the Himalayan belt is higher than those in other countries due to different factors ranging from food habits and genetic disorder.
Because of the deformed feature, cleft patients are more likely to suffer from depression, isolation and even suicidal tendency.
These mental illnesses can be easily cured by availing the benefit under Smile Train Shija Cleft Project," Dr Palin added.
He also informed that Shija Hospitals will co-ordinate with SSA, BSF and RBSK projects to expand Smile Train Shija Cleft Project.
Cleft surgery can be performed on patient who is above 6-month old though it is recommended to conduct the surgery while the patient is not mentally matured so that he or she can recover from any psychological impact.