Imphal, March 09, 2010: The campaign of Smile Train Shija Cleft Project was formally launched at Ukhrul district today.

Under this project, free surgery for cleft lip and palate are provided to the needy patients.

Originally launched in 2006 in United States of America, the Smile Train Project is being implemen-ted successfully in Manipur by Shija Hospital and Research Institution as a project partner over the last 2-3 years.

Welcoming the launch of the project in Ukhrul, Deputy Commissioner of the district N Ashok Kumar has assured that the district administration would extend full co-operation to the activities of the project in any part of the district.

Launch of the Smile Train Shija Cleft Project was formally organised at the com- plex of Comprehensive Health Services and Research Centre (CHSRC) at Hamleikhong village.

Organised under the joint aegis of Shija Hospital and Research Institute and CHSRC, the campaign was conducted jointly by Mana-ging Director of Shija Hos- pital Dr Kh Palin, his wife Dr Kh Ongbi Bonny Devi, CHSRC director Dr Nelson.

Over and above providing treatment to 15 patients coming from different parts of the district, the programme for conducting operations on the patients have also been worked out and finalised during the campaign.

The patients are in the age group of 4 to 14 years.

Out of the 15 patients, six of them would be operated at Shija Hospital tomorrow and the remaining patients on March 16. Talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the campaign, Dr Palin informed that so far more than 2000 patients have been benefited from the Smile Train Shija Cleft Project.

The Project has covered not only Manipur but also some of the neighbouring States.

In Manipur, the project has already been launched successfully in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Senapati district.

The project would also be launched in the remaining districts one after another.

In response to a question, Dr Palin explained that the main objective and the target of the project to ensure free treatment to patients specially in remote areas.

Apart from free operation and treatment, transportation and accommodation of the patients and their guardians would be taken care of.

Participating in the launch of the campaign, Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul N Ashok Kumar assured the family members of the selected 15 patients that Rs 1000 each would be provided towards meeting their expenses on fooding and other needs from the side of the district administration.

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