Cleft deformities are associated with many congenital anomalies in many cases. A successful reconstruction surgery at an appropriate time allows the children to enjoy their normal lives. But cleft surgeries are very expensive for the poor and middle class families. For these poor patients, cleft surgeries are done free of cost at the Central Hospital in the capital.

Cleft patients are operated on for their congenital deformity through charity, sponsored by The Smile Train. Smile Train is an USA based organisation dedicated to the reconstruction of cleft lip and palate of poor patients. They work in this field at more than hundreds different hospitals in 60 countries.

Besides funding, Smile Train is committed to monitor the quality of work in every hospital and every surgeon’s skill of operation. In Bangladesh, they have been working through The Smile Train-Central Hospital Cleft Project for the last three years. About 1200 children have been operated under this project.

They shared the present and future plan in Bangladesh at a press conference held at Central Hospital yesterday. President of Smile Train Brian Mullaney, National Professor and Chairman of Central Hospital Prof M R Khan, plastic surgeon Prof A J M Salek, other directors of Central Hospital, eminent doctors and patients were present in the press conference.

Prof M R Khan expressed with grief that they are facing great problem while clearing the donation from Smile Train, which is completely used for the charity. He urged assistance from the government to help the distressed people in this regard.