In Huế, a collaborative effort with the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team has provided free screenings and surgeries for hundreds of children with cleft lip and palate deformities. This initiative aims to restore smiles and boost confidence among affected children. The program, running from March 10 to March 20, involves the expertise of international medical professionals. Plans for future collaboration and training are intended to enhance treatment options in Vietnam.
In Huế, a remarkable initiative has recently taken place, providing free screenings and surgeries to hundreds of children suffering from congenital disabilities such as cleft lip and palate deformities. This humanitarian effort, conducted in collaboration with the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team from Germany, runs from March 10 to March 20 at the Huế Central Hospital.
The initiative sees participation from 13 esteemed experts and surgeons from Germany, Italy, Austria, and Spain, who are dedicated to screening numerous cases and performing surgeries for over 100 affected children. This crucial program aims to not only restore smiles but also to boost the confidence and societal integration of these young patients.
Among those benefiting from the program is Trần Thị Loan from Ho Chi Minh City, who brought her son for cleft palate surgery. She expressed her deep gratitude towards the medical staff at Huế Central Hospital and emphasizes her confidence in the specialists’ skills. Furthermore, she mentioned her intention to register again should the Interplast team return, illustrating the profound impact of this initiative.
Doctor Peter Schachner, a member of the Interplast team, noted that their mission is to ensure accessibility to high-quality medical care for children in Vietnam. He highlighted the smooth coordination between the local doctors and the visiting team, facilitated by the thorough preparations made by Huế Central Hospital’s medical staff.
Cleft lip and palate deformities constitute a notable percentage of congenital disabilities in Asia, with Vietnam recording an incidence of about one in every 700 to 800 children. These health challenges adversely affect not only physical health but also the children’s confidence in communication and daily life.
The Maxillofacial Centre at Huế Central Hospital cares for numerous patients with cleft lip and palate issues annually. Since the commencement of collaboration with Interplast in 2016, nearly 1,200 surgeries have been successfully performed. The partnership has allowed for the transfer of advanced surgical techniques and the latest knowledge to local medical practitioners.
Looking ahead, Doctor Nguyễn Hồng Lợi, the director of the Maxillofacial Centre, expressed aspirations to collaborate further with Interplast to enhance training for their staff, particularly in areas such as speech therapy and facial reconstruction for affected children. Additionally, there are plans to establish a dedicated treatment centre for cleft lip and palate at Huế Central Hospital.
The ongoing partnership between Huế Central Hospital and the Interplast Organisation demonstrates a commitment to improving health outcomes and restoring the smiles of underprivileged children across Vietnam.
The recent medical initiative in Huế has significantly impacted the lives of numerous children suffering from congenital deformities. With the support of the Interplast Volunteer Surgical Team, the local hospital has provided essential surgeries and screenings, enhancing the quality of life for these children. Furthermore, ongoing collaborations aim to improve medical training and establish dedicated facilities for future care, highlighting a strong commitment to public health in the region.
Original Source: vietnamnews.vn
