Comprehensive Cleft Care of KIMS Pioneers in Odisha with Free Surgery and Special Assistance
Bhubaneswar, Feb 15: KIMS has firmly established itself as the go-to centre for cleft lip and palate care in Odisha, further solidifying its commitment to accessible, inclusive healthcare. This recognition comes from renowned plastic surgeon and cleft specialist Dr. Sudarsan Baliarsing, who recently highlighted the hospital’s comprehensive cleft care services during a symposium on cleft lip and palate organized by KIMS’ Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department. With an average incidence of cleft lip and palate in 1 in 700 live births worldwide, Cleft lip and cleft palate, conditions that impact speech, appearance, and social integration, often become significant barriers to education, employment, marriage, and overall societal acceptance. Addressing these challenges, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in partnership with the Smile Train programme, is providing comprehensive treatment for cleft lip and palate entirely free of cost. Experts emphasized that surgical intervention during the first year of life is crucial for optimal outcomes. Dr. Sunil Kumar Rout, Senior Consultant and Professor in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery asserted that Parents of affected children should consult specialized cleft surgeons at the earliest, preferably soon after birth. Early treatment not only ensures better physical and functional results but also significantly improves the child’s quality of life and future prospects. The initiative was made possible by the Smile Foundation’s partnership and support from senior leaders from the hospital .The hospital’s commitment extends beyond just surgeries. As part of their efforts to ensure holistic cleft care, KIMS brings together a multidisciplinary team under one roof, offering not only surgical intervention but also support in areas such as speech and language pathology, orthodontics, nutrition, and psychology. This integrated approach aims to address both the physical and emotional challenges faced by cleft-affected children and their families. Dr. Baliarsing praised KIMS for its specialized experts and allied facilities, which he noted make it the most suitable centre for comprehensive cleft care in the state. He also shared inspiring success stories of children whose lives were transformed through treatment. The hospital’s free treatment program through the Smile Train project, which has treated hundreds of underprivileged patients in Odisha, KIMS has taken significant strides in making life-changing surgeries available to all, regardless of financial background. Last year, KIMS launched collaboration with the Smile Foundation, offering free cleft lip and palate surgeries, starting from July. The programme has already proven to be transformative for numerous families, providing patients access to expert care at no cost. is a testament to its dedication to spreading awareness and improving lives. At the event, Prof. Sunil Kumar Rout, Project Director of the KIMS Smile Train Programme reflected on his 20 years of experience, during which time he has performed surgeries on over 4,000 cleft patients. The programme witnessed the participation of over one hundred nursing officers and postgraduate medical students. It was inaugurated by Prof. C. B. K. Mohanty, Pro Vice- Chancellor of KIIT, Prof. R. C. Das, Dean and Principal of KIMS, and Prof. M. R. Behera, Medical Superintendent of KIMS. It was organised in association with the nursing education team. Faculties from multiple specialties, including paediatrics, speech and language pathology, orthodontics, nursing, nutrition, and plastic surgery, shared insights on the causes, challenges, prevention, and treatment of cleft lip and palate. A team of nursing officers also staged a short skit highlighting the psychosocial aspects of cleft conditions. KIMS has become a beacon of hope for families across the region. This success is attributed to the vision of Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, whose collaboration with Smile Train has made these life-saving surgeries possible for the underprivileged.
