2500 estimated cases of cleft lip and palate in Nagaland
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 21
A new strategy to eradicate cleft lip and cleft palate will soon start in Nagaland with the involvement of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Government of Nagaland, district commissioners, NGOs and churches under the banner of “Smile Train Shija SSA Cleft Project.”
Briefing media persons here on the sideline of the ongoing 14th phase of Smile Train Shija Cleft Project - Mission Nagaland - free treatment for cleft lip and palate cum advanced cosmetic surgery camp at the Oking Hospital & Research Clinic, Kohima, Dr Kh Palin stated that SSA will take the responsibility in mass campaign, detection, transportation and food, while Smile Train Shija will give comprehensive treatment and Oking hospital will provide infrastructure for corrective surgery, hospital stay etc.
Dr. Palin, MCh, Smile Train partner surgeon cum consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Shija Hospitals, Imphal also informed that there will be a mega camp at Oking Hospital Kohima during July or August this year. The date will be announced later. Smile Train Shija Cleft Project has gone beyond Manipur rendering new smiles in performing surgeries to 3800 patient till-date, under the banners of “Mission Barak Valley”, “Mission Nagaland”, and “Mission Myanmar.”
It is estimated that in Nagaland there are 2500 cases of cleft lip and palate. In order to eradicate this, the project under Mission Nagaland was started with Rotary Club of Kohima and RC Imphal in 2007, said Dr Palin.
A cleft is a separation or gap in the body structure. Two major types of oral – facial clefts are cleft lip (involving the lip) and cleft palate (involving the roof of the mouth or the soft posterior tissue inside the mouth), Dr Palin said.
Smile Train Shija Cleft Project is an endeavor to provide absolutely free of cost corrective surgery for cleft lip and cleft palate. Till date, 129 cleft patients from Nagaland have availed free corrective surgical treatment under this project.
Patients with cleft lip and palate have been requested to contact; Oking Hospital (0370) 2243339, 2243340, 2243341 or 2241003, David Angami - 9774039490 and 9402489750, Lima Yaden - 9856276396, Nino Zhasa – 9856343037, 9089801821 or 03702292280 and Neila Terhuja – 9863188043.
