BSTC to provide free treatment for cleft lip & Palate

            In order to create awareness about the disorder and the treatment solutions, the Center is observing a Cleft Week, a week-long treatment camp and awareness program from April 11 to 16. During the period, BSTC will conduct free surgeries, awareness programs, counselling sessions and so on.

            As part of the program, an awareness event was organized today at BIACH&RI. Nandamuri Balakrishna, BIACH&RI Chairman was the chief guest along with Prof. D Mukunda Reddy, Consultant Plastic Surgeon from BSTC; RP Singh, CEO, BIACH&RI; Dr TS Rao, Medical Director, BIACH&RI etc.

            The program had begun with prayer sung by children followed by a detailed presentation on cleft lip and palate. In his presentation, Dr Mukund Reddy highlighted the need for surgical intervention for children suffering with these genetic disorders early. He advised the parents of those children suffering with these problems to ensure that they receive treatment within a year of their birth thus enabling them to speak properly. While pointing out several misconceptions are being circulated in various parts of the



nation among different communities that asks the parents to assume that the children born with these disorders are lucky, gods gift etc. Dr Reddy urged community leaders to create awareness among them.

            Earlier in the program, on behalf of BSTC Sri Nandamuri Balakrishna has faciliated and presented appreciation certificates for several volunteers for their service towards the center in order to reach children suffering with the problem in various districts of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana. Further Sri Balakrishna has also distributed gifts to children who underwent surgical interventions.

            Speaking on the occassion Sri RP Singh, CEO, BIACH&RI has presented several facilities being provided to BSTC in terms of specialist doctors, equipment such as Operation Theators etc., He appreciated the efforts of the volunteers, doctors and other staff of BSTC in getting successes in improving the lives of these children.

            Highlighting the humiliation and sufferings of children born with these genetic disorders psychologically and physically, Balakrishna hoped that BSTC will play a major role in providing a proper solution to them. The right surgical intervention by experts will not only remove difficulties faced by these children currently but also provide required confidence to move forward in their life. He also announced that more and more such awareness programs will be conducted in future. Balakrishna also announced a special incentive of Rs 5000 to each girl child coming forward for surgery (total correction that includes cleft lip and palate) during this week. He said that this amount will be given to child as fixed deposit.