Occurrence of cleft lip and /or cleft palate cases are around 27,000 to 33,000 per year in India as per a survey. Cleft lip and/or palate are openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate) or both.
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences has ;Smile Train’ which is an international children’s charity that supports free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children globally.
According to a press release, it is the world’s largest cleft-focused organisation, with a sustainable and a local model of supporting surgery and other forms of essential care. ‘Cleft screening camps are conducted in and around Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh on a regular basis to identify people/children who require treatment.’
