Shillong, Nov 15: Mission Smile, in collaboration with the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Government of Meghalaya, and Dr. Norman Tunnel Hospital, Jowai, organized its first cleft surgery camp in West Jaintia Hills.

A total of 31 children from West and East Jaintia Hills underwent cleft lip and palate surgeries during the camp held from 10 to 13 November 2025. West Jaintia Hills accounted for 9 cleft lip and 14 cleft palate cases, while East Jaintia Hills had 2 cleft lip and 6 cleft palate cases.

Dr. D. Malakar, Operation Head of Mission Smile Guwahati, highlighted the organization’s work in the Northeast since 2010, noting collaborations with the governments of Assam and Meghalaya to provide free cleft surgeries across the region. He said the organization now plans to expand its outreach to remote villages to identify children in need of treatment.

Dr. Malakar also appreciated RBSK for identifying and referring patients, and acknowledged the support of Dr. Norman Tunnel Hospital for facilitating the camp.

Dr. Handaka L. Suting, DEIC Manager of West Jaintia Hills, said post-operative follow-ups will be conducted at the DEIC after 10 days and emphasized the importance of community awareness to encourage participation in future camps.

Dr. D. Nongpluh, Medical Superintendent of Dr. Norman Tunnel Hospital, said the collaboration brought hope to 31 children and their families, who successfully received treatment during the three-day camp.