Health care systems in different stages of the Covid-19 pandemic are addressing the backlog of surgical procedures that were postponed during the initial wave of the pandemic. Smile Train partner hospitals in West Bengal have resumed providing free cleft surgeries to patients born with cleft lip and palate with enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols.
Cleft lip and palate, a facial birth anomaly, can be completely cured but it is important that children get treatment at the right age to live a healthy and productive life. This involves surgery and other related ancillary care. Delayed treatment can lead to speech and hearing problems, besides social stigma and isolation for the cleft patient. In the last 21 years, Smile Train India has supported more than 6,25,000 cleft surgeries for children across India.
Smile Train has supported nearly 25,000 free cleft surgeries in West Bengal through a network of 6 partner hospitals at Siliguri, Kolkata, Bardhaman, Durgapur and Murshidabad where Smile Train supports cleft treatment throughout the year. To avail free cleft treatment, one can call Toll Free Cleft Helpline – 1800 103 8301.
