41 Cleft surgeries successfully conducted at AGMC and GBP Hospital in Agartala

In a significant boost to child healthcare services, a total of 41 cleft lip and palate surgeries were successfully conducted at Agartala Government Medical College & GBP Hospital with support from National Health Mission and Mission Smile.

The initiative marks a notable achievement for the Government of Tripura, reflecting its commitment to improving the quality of life for children affected by congenital conditions. A screening programme was initially held on March 23 at the hospital premises, following which selected cases were admitted to the Surgery and Paediatrics departments.

The surgeries were carried out from March 24 to 26 under the aegis of National Health Mission (NHM), Tripura in collaboration with Mission Smile, a reputed non-profit organisation dedicated to providing free cleft care services across India.

Cleft lip and palate, common congenital conditions, can lead to serious challenges in feeding, speech development, hearing, and social integration if left untreated. Recognising this, the programme aimed to deliver free, safe, and high-quality surgical interventions to children, particularly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram.

A dedicated multidisciplinary team comprising plastic surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, OT technicians, and nursing staff ensured the success of the procedures. Strict adherence to pre-operative assessments, surgical protocols, and post-operative care contributed to achieving optimal outcomes.

The initiative highlights the state government’s focus on accessible and inclusive healthcare, particularly in addressing congenital deformities among children. The collaboration between NHM Tripura and Mission Smile stands as a successful example of effective public-private partnership in delivering specialized medical care.

Beyond surgeries, the programme also emphasizes post-operative rehabilitation, including counselling and follow-up support, ensuring long-term benefits for the beneficiaries.

During a briefing session, Dr Kanak Choudhury congratulated the medical team and expressed gratitude to the Government of Tripura and NHM Tripura. Among others present were Dr Hitesh Sharma, Dipul Malakar, Dr Abhijit Sarkar, Dr Bishnu Goswami, and Dr Bikash Debbarma.

The successful completion of these surgeries marks a meaningful step towards restoring smiles and confidence among children and their families, with the hospital reaffirming its commitment to continue such initiatives for public welfare.