Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 25:
The Nagaland Mission of the Smile Train Shija Cleft Project was launched yesterday by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Under the project undertaken by the USA based Smile Train Incorporation in collaboration with Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Imphal many cleft patients were treated and their deformities corrected bringing back the real beauty of smile in their lives.
For the Nagaland Mission, cleft patients would be treated free of cost and Rs 1000 would be given to each patient for their transportation.
Speaking at the kick-off function held at Hotel Japhu, Kohima, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio appreciated the philanthropic initiative of Shija Hospital.
He appealed to the NGOs and State officials concerned to find out persons with cleft palate.
Dr Palin of SHRI with Nagaland CM Nephiu Rio
Earlier, giving a key note address of the inaugural function, managing director of SHRI Dr Kh Palin said that after he was recognised by Smile Train in June 2006, altogether 616 persons with lips, palate and nose deformities have been treated and brought sublime smile to their erstwhile morose lives.
Efforts are on to incorporate speech therapy, Orthodontics, bone grafting etc under the Project besides surgical operations, he said.
Saying that there is instruction to conduct at least 750 operations within 18 months, he informed that already 616 operations have been conducted to correct clefts within just 10 months.
Launched in 1998, the Smile Train Project began its service in India in 2000.So far, the Project has enlisted 82 different hospitals from across the country as its partners.
Under 150 partner surgeons, the Project has conducted 65,000 operations successfully, he noted.
Even as definite medical reasons behind cleft chins and other deformities could not be established as yet, one in every 600-800 children born in the country suffer from such deformities by birth.
Annually, 35,000 children are born with such deformities in the country, said the SHRI managing director.
He further appealed to NGOs, social workers, doctors and media establishments of Nagaland to help spread message of Smile Train to every corner of the State.
He also sought cooperation from all concerned towards bringing a radiant smile in every individual of the State downcast with cleft chin and other similar deformities.