‘Correcting congenital problem, gifting a smile for life is great’
Smile Train has provided 5 lakh free surgeries
LUCKNOW: Folic acid deficiency in expecting mothers can be a possible reason for children being born with cleft lip and palate, said Renu Mehta, director, Smile Train, India, at a programme organised here to mark the World Smile Day on Friday.
Speaking at the Healthcity Hospital, Mehta said, “Some studies have linked the cleft lip problem with folic acid deficiency in mothers, but more studies are required to establish this link. The exact cause of this medical problem is yet to be ascertained, which is why the current focus is on providing corrective surgeries, so that affected children can lead normal lives.”
Smile Train is the largest charity organisation providing free cleft lip and palate surgeries.
It is credited with five lakh cleft lip and palate operations over the past 17 years in partnership with 150 hospitals across India. “We are present in all states.In some states, we have multiple hospital partners too, depending on the population and the requirement,” said Dr Adarsh Kumar, consultant, Smile Train.
Dr Vaibhav Khanna said, “Motivated by our service, the operated cases also refer patients to us. Not just newborns but even adults who could not get operated earlier to correct this congenital problem can approach us and get a free surgery.”
Awanish Awasthi, additional chief secretary, information, also addressed the gathering. He said it was difficult to bring a smile on someone’s face. “To gift a smile to someone for life by correcting a congenital problem is great work,” he said.
Senior doctors including Dr Romesh Kohli, Dr SPS Tulsi and others who have contributed towards treating children born with cleft lip and palate were also felicitated on the occasion.
Children operated upon at the hospital took out a cycle awareness rally in Gomti Nagar area.