3 days ago
Statewide ‘Maha Smiles' Initiative to be Launched from Nagpur
Nagpur: A major state-level health initiative titled 'Maha Smiles – Cleft Awareness and Treatment Campaign' is set to launch from Nagpur on July 31, aiming to bring free surgical treatment and awareness for children born with cleft lips and palates, particularly in the underserved regions of Vidarbha.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with international NGO Smile Train India and Bajaj Finserv, under their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. It was initiated after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to corporate companies to work in this field. The campaign is not merely a medical drive but a transformative social movement expected to restore smiles and confidence to thousands of affected children.
As part of the first phase, three specially equipped mobile vans will travel across all 11 districts of Vidarbha over the next 90 days, spreading awareness about cleft conditions, providing early diagnosis, and facilitating free registration for surgical intervention. Surgeries will be conducted at partner hospitals in Nagpur, Gondia, Akola, and Wardha.
Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions affecting approximately 1 in every 700 births, causing gaps in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth.
by Taboola
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Without timely treatment, children may face serious complications such as hearing loss, speech difficulties, malnutrition, and social isolation. However, with appropriate surgical care —often requiring multiple operations — children can go on to lead completely normal lives.
Unfortunately, due to the high cost of treatment, many children from economically weaker sections remain untreated. This initiative will ensure entirely free surgeries for such families, removing financial barriers to care.
Experts highlight that along with treatment, public awareness is critical to ensure early detection and timely medical help. 'Maha Smiles' is designed to bridge this gap, especially targeting rural and tribal communities, where lack of information often leads to delayed or no intervention.
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BRINGING BACK SMILES
* The statewide mission launch is scheduled for 11am-12.30pm on July 31
* Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Hospital Khapri will be the venue
* 3 mobile vans will travel across Vidarbha for the next 90 days
* Vans will conduct diagnosis, free registration for surgical intervention
* Surgeries will be conducted at partner hospitals in Nagpur, Gondia, Akola, and Wardha
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Through the Maha Smiles campaign, we will ensure that no child in Maharashtra suffers the pain or isolation of an untreated cleft. This is not just about surgery — it is about restoring confidence, dignity, and hope to thousands of families
Devendra Fadnavis | Chief Minister
