ASHA WORKERS FELICITATED BY SMILE TRAIN OF ANANDALOKE HOSPITAL SILIGURI

Smile Train, the world's largest cleft-focused NGO, and Anandaloke Multispecialty Hospital successfully hosted a Cleft Awareness Workshop at Hotel Ratnadeep in Jalpaiguri on March 17th, 2024, to raise awareness about cleft lip and palate conditions and highlight the importance of early intervention and treatment.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr.Surupa Roy, Managing Director of Anandaloke Hospital highlighted the number of years of yeoman free service rendered through Smile Train to Cleft Children.
Dr. Neela Bhattacharya, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Project Director Smile Train shed light on the 17 years of journey in Smile Train that have returned hope and smiles to nearly 5000 cleft children as of today.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of Jalpaiguri Dr.Sudipto Mandal gracing the occasion was happy to note the collaboration of the Sishu Sathi and RBSK offices along with Smile Train at Anandaloke Hospital, which enabled a highly successful private-public partnership.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of around 100 ASHA workers with awards, for their invaluable contribution in identifying cleft patients and connecting them with necessary medical care. They also gained valuable insights on the importance of nutrition in Cleft children, so they can be fit to undergo the surgery they desperately need. Smile Train also provides free nutrition to malnourished children and Nutrition Counsellor Sampa Bagchi of Anandaloke Hospital summarized that.
The other esteemed dignitaries who graced the occasion were the DPHNO Ms. Ratna Karmakar, alongside ACMOHs Dr Subhadip Sarkar and Dr. Charvee, Smile Train Program Officer of India.
Dr. A.K. Khandelwal, medical director, of Anandaloke Hospital proposed a vote of thanks, reiterating that through collaborative efforts, they remain committed to raising awareness and providing essential care for individuals affected by congenital cleft conditions.