Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, partnered with Anandaloke Multispeciality Hospital to host a comprehensive workshop in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.The one-day event, held at Hotel Ratnadeep, brought together representatives from the Government of West Bengal, medical officers, and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). A hundred ASHA workers were honored for their significant contributions to the health sector during the workshop.
Since its establishment in 2006, the collaboration between Anandaloke Multispeciality Hospital and Smile Train has facilitated over 4600 free cleft surgeries, emphasizing their commitment to transforming lives and fostering happy smiles. Apart from surgeries, the partnership provides essential services such as nutrition counseling, speech therapy, and orthodontics support to cleft patients.
Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director of Smile Train Asia, highlighted the crucial role of ASHA workers in community outreach and awareness. Dr. Neela Bhattacharya, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Anandaloke Multispeciality Hospital, emphasized the partnership’s impact on extending cleft care services across the region.This initiative aligns with Smile Train’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of West Bengal, aimed at expanding access to cleft care services. Through this partnership, eight hospitals in the state receive referrals from various districts, streamlining the treatment process and ensuring timely intervention for individuals in need.
