Smile Train, a non government organization has inaugurated two sponsored comprehensive cleft care services facilities at the Armed Forces Specialist Hospital in Kano state.
Daily News 24 reports that the facilities include Pediatrics Surgical Theatre and Recovery Room and Royal Dental Clinic.
The Smile Train Vice President and Regional Director of Africa, Mrs Nkeiruka Obi disclosed that the establishment of the centers were in a bid to strengthen the health system so that the poor and vulnerable can access healthcare with ease.
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“This is inline with our mission to ensure that every child or every adult with a cleft in any part of the world is given access to free comprehensive cleft care, so that they can live a healthy, productive life.” She said.
In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Grassroots Smiles Initiative, Professor Adetokunbo Adebola noted that the facilities not only provide surgeries but also “ear, nose and eyes treatment, dental treatment,” and many more.
Adding that “We operated twenty-one patients. And they are still on admission.
“Smiles need to be appreciated because they are not only providing services, they are also interested in providing quality service.
“We have the support of the College of Health Science to make the facility a tertiary centre.
“We have the best of facilities and manpower you can access anywhere but we are not looking for your money, we are looking for your goodwill.
“The less privileged needs our support to be provided with free services. For the school children it is six thousand per child, for the general public, pregnant women, is three thousand per head. That is for the basic package of oral healthcare.
In his remark, the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Irabor who was represented by Major General Ginikanwa Kenneth Nwosu expressed delight at the development by thanking Smile Train for sending the initiative to Kano state.
“My special appreciation goes to Smile Train Chairman Prof Adetokunbo Adedola for bringing this development to Kano”, he said.
Present at the event was the Emir of Dutse, His Highness Dr Nuhu Mohammad Sanusi amongst others.
Smile Train is an international children’s charity that supports 100-per cent-free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children globally. The organization’s sustainable model empowers local medical professionals to provide cleft care in their own communities.
