Lucknow: An international delegation from Smile Train visited Vivekananda Polyclinic and Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, to review treatment facilities for children affected by cleft lip and palate and explore ways to strengthen access to quality healthcare.
The visit was organised under the ‘Festival of Smiles – The Journey of Smiles’ programme, highlighting collaborative efforts to provide accessible, effective and compassionate medical care to children requiring cleft treatment.
Those present included Swami Muktinathananda, secretary of the institute; Dr Amit Agrawal, Smile Train project director at the institution; senior consultant Dr S.D. Pandey; Dr Richa Srivastava; members of Smile Train’s international delegation from the United States; and the Smile Train India team.
During the visit, the delegation toured designated hospital departments and medical facilities. The team received information about treatment procedures, patient care arrangements and the hospital’s efforts to improve healthcare services for children with cleft conditions. Delegates also interacted with doctors and medical staff to understand the institution’s clinical practices and service delivery systems.
A plastic surgery ward was inaugurated during the programme. The participation of children affected by cleft lip and palate added a special human dimension to the occasion, highlighting the importance of treatment in restoring smiles, strengthening confidence and improving their prospects for the future.
An interaction among the international delegation, Smile Train India representatives, institutional officials and the medical team also focused on improving treatment outcomes, enhancing healthcare quality and extending services to children in need.
Swami Muktinathananda said the partnership between the Lucknow institution and Smile Train marked an important step towards bringing positive change to the lives of children affected by cleft lip and palate. He emphasised the commitment to ensuring that every child receives timely, quality treatment irrespective of their economic or social circumstances, enabling them to lead healthier, more confident and happier lives.
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