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Dr. Najma Heptulla handover the prize to a students during ‘The Smile Torch’ event on Thursday in Imphal.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Imphal, May 2 (EMN): ‘Smile Torch’ which aimed at generating awareness about cleft, symbolizes the light of wisdom and the passion for knowledge, a metaphor for dispelling darkness of myths, fallacies and social stigma surrounding clefts.
This was said by Manipur Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla during the closing function of the ‘The Smile Torch’ programme in Imphal on Thursday.
The programme was organised by The Shija Foundation of the Shija Hospitals, to show their support to the Smile Train, an NGO based in the United States for their efforts in spreading awareness on clefts.
Smile Train has been working to eradicate the global problem of cleft lips and palates.
Smile Torch’ is a unique national initiative for creating renewed awareness about cleft and its treatment and to sensitize communities about the challenges faced by children born with clefts. Dr. Heptulla said
Appreciating the services rendering by the Shija Foundation, she said that the government alone cannot take the full burden of health care so, a part of it must be given out to voluntary services and people who are willing to serve the health system.
Besides free corrective surgeries, other additional service under Smile Train Shija Cleft Project includes free diagnostic facilities, hospital accommodation, speech therapy and travelling allowance upto a permissible limit. However, many children born with such birth defects have not availed the facilities due to lack of awareness.
Smile Train Partner Surgeon Dr. Kh Palin gave presentation on “Smile Train Shija Cleft Project.”
Managing Director Dr. Vikethonyu of Oking Hospital, Kohima shared on the ‘Mission Nagaland.’
Smile Train Partner Surgeon Prof Dr. Guruaribam Nilamani Sharma reported on Smile Torch event at Imphal and prizes were also distributed to the winners of Smile Torch Spot painting Competition which was held on April 28 under the theme -“What Makes Me Smile”.
With a population of nearly 30 lakhs, it is estimated that around 5000 people are suffering from such birth defects in Manipur.
