Cleft lip and palate, a congenital condition present from birth, requires timely surgical correction during childhood, said renowned dental specialist and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Y.S.N. Reddy. Addressing the media, he emphasised that early intervention allows children to eat and speak normally, while delayed treatment can lead to lifelong functional difficulties, social stigma, and emotional distress.
Milestone of 3,000+ Surgeries at KIMS Icon Hospital
Dr. Reddy was speaking at a press conference held at KIMS Icon Hospital, Sheelanagar, Visakhapatnam, to mark the completion of over 3,000 cleft lip and palate surgeries since 2004. The milestone reflects two decades of sustained efforts to restore function, confidence, and dignity to patients affected by facial deformities.
Surgery at the Right Age Improves Quality of Life
Explaining the importance of early treatment, Dr. Reddy noted that cleft lip and palate surgeries are ideally performed at a young age. “Although we have successfully operated on patients ranging from 15-day-old infants to 66-year-old adults, early surgery significantly reduces feelings of inferiority and helps children grow with greater self-confidence,” he said.
Moreover, he added that the hospital also corrects a wide range of congenital and acquired facial deformities, further strengthening comprehensive maxillofacial care.
Free Surgeries for the Underprivileged Through Global Support
Highlighting the humanitarian aspect of the initiative, Dr. Reddy acknowledged the support of Doshi Smiles doctors Dr. Nitin Doshi and Dr. Leena Doshi from the USA and the INGA Foundation. With the backing of KIMS Icon Hospital Managing Director Dr. Satish Kumar and Executive Director Dr. Sai Balaram, the team has been able to offer cleft lip and palate surgeries completely free of cost to underprivileged patients.
In addition, the programme also provides transportation from patients’ homes to the hospital and back, ensuring access to care for those from remote and economically challenged backgrounds.
Dignitaries Attend the Milestone Event
As per the press release, several eminent medical professionals and administrators attended the event. These included INGA Foundation Managing Trustee and Medical Director Dr. Krishna Shyamarao, INGA Foundation Trustee Dr. Chetan Kumar, Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons of India (AOMSI) President Dr. R. Manikandan, AOMSI Andhra Pradesh Chapter President Dr. P. Vasundhar, KIMS Icon Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Gopal Raju, and Operations General Manager Mamata Devi Reddy, among others.
Together, the initiative stands as a strong example of how early intervention, collaborative efforts, and compassionate care can transform lives.