Agartala, 2nd November 2026 : A special surgical camp has been organised at Tripura Medical College and Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital to provide advanced medical care and surgical treatment to children born with cleft lip and cleft palate. The initiative has been undertaken under a tripartite agreement among the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) team under the National Health Mission (NHM), Tripura Medical College and Mission Smile.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Shovik, Member Secretary of the National Mission, said that according to estimates, around 60 to 65 children are born with cleft lip or cleft palate in Tripura every year.
He said the RBSK mobile teams are working regularly to identify affected children at an early stage and ensure that they receive appropriate medical care. Members of these teams conduct health screenings at Anganwadi centres and schools. Children identified during the initial screening are subsequently brought to Tripura Medical College for further evaluation. Those found eligible for surgery are provided with surgical treatment free of cost or under the relevant government schemes.
Dr. Shovik emphasised that early identification and timely surgical intervention are crucial for children born with cleft lip and cleft palate. Appropriate treatment at the right time can significantly improve their ability to eat normally, speak clearly and develop socially. Delays in treatment, however, may lead to complications related to feeding and speech, potentially affecting a child’s overall growth and development.
He added that regular health screenings and specialised surgical camps are being organised to ensure that affected children are identified promptly and brought under appropriate treatment.
According to Dr. Shovik, approximately 1,165 children born with cleft lip and cleft palate have undergone surgery in Tripura since 2014. The initiative has enabled hundreds of families across the state to access specialised medical care for their children.
Among those present at the programme were IAS officer Kiran Gitte; Tripura Medical College Society Chief Executive Officer Sapan Saha; college principal Prof. Dr. Rimon Dutta; hospital Medical Superintendent Prof. Dr. Jayanta Bardhan; and Joint Mission Director Dr. Jyoti Debbarma, along with members of the RBSK team.
Doctors and faculty members from the hospital’s departments of ENT, surgery and anaesthesiology also attended the programme, along with representatives of Mission Smile, children receiving medical care and their parents.
The initiative reflects the continued efforts of the health authorities and partner organisations to improve access to specialised treatment, promote early diagnosis and ensure better health and developmental outcomes for children affected by congenital cleft conditions in Tripura.
