SHILLONG: Operation Smile India in support with Shillong Civil Hospital is organizing a five-day surgery camp for cleft patients of Meghalaya from April 7 to 11.
This is the third Surgery Outreach Camp organised at Shillong Civil Hospital in last three years.
Till date 570 patients have received surgery through Operation Smile, some through these Camps at Shillong Civil Hospital and others at the Comprehensive Cleft Care Centre at Guwahati.
Speaking to media persons, manager, patient recruitment and communication, Dipul Malakar, said that though there is no data about the number of cleft patients in Meghalaya but as per the World Health Organisation, one child in 700 child in India is born with cleft lip and palate and according to their understandings, there are around 2500 children suffering from cleft lip and palate in Meghalaya.
According to Malakar, each operation costs around Rs.32000 and the NGO has taken support from the National Health Mission, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to identify and motivate patients besides NEEPCO is also extending financial support to the camp.
