Free corrective surgery for children with special needs
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 11 2015:
Children between the age group of 6 to 18 years who have physical deformities and other birth defects may now undergo free corrective surgical treatment at Shija Hospitals under the IED (Inclusive Education for the disabled), a humble endeavour taken up by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), State Mission Authority, Manipur in collaboration with Shija Hospitals, Health City, Langol.
According to a statement, the IED scheme covers treatment for different types of illness and deformities such as post burn contracture, microtia (ear defect since birth), squint (misaligned eyes), bow legs, ptosis (droopy eyelid), haemangioma, clubbed foot, hand defects since birth, cataract blindness in children and cystic hygroma.
Cleft lip and cleft palate patients between the age group of 6 to 18 years may also avail free corrective surgical treatment at Shija Hospitals under Smile Train Shija SSA Cleft Project which is a triangular effort of Smile Train Inc (USA), Shija Hospitals and SSA, State Mission Authority, Manipur.
The IED scheme has been mainly initiated by SSA to remove the social stigma and other disadvantages faced by these children who are in need of help to lead a normal life and for giving them opportunities to attend schools like other normal children.
Till date 52 children have undergone free corrective surgeries at Shija, the statement said.
It appealed to all social workers, Church leaders and teachers to extend support to the IED scheme by disseminating the information and helping such children to lead a normal life.
Families and parents of such children can contact the nearest district SSA, Mission Authority office or Zonal Education office or Shija Hospitals, Health City, Langol, Imphal West or call 9436807346 to get the benefit.