In a collaborative effort to support children born with cleft lip and palate, Himalaya Wellness, in association with Smile Train NGO, have launched a 45-day campaign to provide free surgical interventions. The surgeries will be conducted by expert surgeons from Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad.
This initiative aims to assist children from economically disadvantaged families with an annual income of less than Rs 8 lakh, offering them access to these life-changing surgeries which are typically expensive in corporate hospitals. The programme also includes transportation assistance from various districts to the hospital.
Dr Rambabu, Plastic Surgeon at Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, told The Pioneer, “Cleft lip and palate affect approximately one in every 700 live births. While earlier efforts focused on raising awareness, the emphasis has now shifted to ensuring timely treatment. Our hospital has successfully performed nearly 5,000 cleft lip and palate surgeries free of cost.” Cleft lip and palate can result from multiple factors, including nutritional deficiencies, genetic predispositions – such as consanguineous marriages – and inappropriate medication use during pregnancy. In some cases, the condition can be detected prenatally through ultrasound imaging.
Under its Muskaan 2025 initiative, Himalaya Wellness aims to transform the lives of children affected by cleft conditions. The company’s outreach vehicles will raise awareness across Telangana, while Smile Train NGO offers a toll-free helpline to guide families through the process. Following initial assessments, eligible children will be directed to Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital for appropriate surgical intervention, adhering to the recommended age guidelines for cleft surgeries.
Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director of the Consumer Products Division at Himalaya Wellness, and Mamata Carroll, Smile Train’s Senior Vice-President and Regional Director for Asia, confirmed that all districts in Telangana would be covered during the 45-day campaign.
