Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused NGO, has reached a milestone in India by providing over 700,000 free cleft surgeries to children in need through their network of partner hospitals across the country. This achievement is a testament to Smile Train’s commitment to providing high-quality and safe cleft care to children and families affected by clefts in India.
In addition to surgical care, Smile Train also offers non-surgical treatments such as nutrition and feeding support, orthodontic services, speech therapy, and psychosocial counseling to ensure the long-term rehabilitation of every patient according to their unique needs.
Through partnerships with medical and government-led organizations such as National Health Mission’s Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), Smile Train has driven early diagnosis and intervention for children with clefts and enhanced the safety and quality of surgical care at treatment centers across the country.
Smile Train’s model of empowering local doctors and hospitals with the funding, training, and resources to provide free, high-quality care to all in need has been a game-changer. This milestone is a significant achievement, and Smile Train’s focus for the future remains expanding their comprehensive programs to ensure access to safe, free, and high-quality cleft care for every child in need.
Through every surgery, Smile Train builds awareness, reduces stigma, and ensures acceptance for people with clefts in India and around the world. Smile Train’s comprehensive approach to cleft care and its commitment to providing safe, free, and high-quality care to every child in need will continue to change lives and transform communities for years to come.
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