DC Inaugurates Smile Train cleft Lip & Palate Screening Cum Awareness Drive at GMC Rajouri

RAJOURI, January 19: As a part of ongoing activities under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) & in collaboration with Smile Train, a one day cleft lip/ palate screening cum awareness drive was held here today.

The drive was organised by Smile Train in association with National Health Mission J&K at District Early Intervention centre, Associated Hospital GMC Rajouri.

 The screening drive was inaugurated by District Development Commissioner Om Parkash Bhagat in presence of Medical Superintendent AH GMC Rajouri Dr Mehmood Hussian Bajar and Dr Suhael Zahur Project Director Smile Train Jammu, Dr Sameer Kichloo Consultant Anaesthiest and Sandeep,Coordinator Smile Train.

The Medical Superintendent said that the screening drive aims for early identification of  children with developmental defects and appropriate intervention to save them from developing permanent disability in later life. Dr Suhael Zahur, Project Director Smile Train centre at Bee Enn General Hospital Jammu is the pioneer and partners of the Govt in combating these developmental defects (Cleft Lip/palate).

A total of 44 children were screened with the developmental defects and their parents were imparted health education for early identification of these defects and the importance of early surgical treatment. 

As part of ongoing activity intervention in the form of giving Iron and folic acid drops, vitamins and refreshment were distributed among the attendees.

A plan of action was formulated by the DEIC Manager in consultation with Smile train for the early and timely surgical intervention of these patients. The screening drive was done under the overall supervision of the GMC Principal, Dr A.S Bhatia, Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajinder Kumar and Medical Superintendent Associated Hospital GMC Rajouri Dr Mehmood Hussain Bajar and under the overall aegis of National Health Mission Jammu & Kashmir.