Joshwa D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Oct 14: A Cleft Lip and Palate center was opened in Father Muller Medical College hospital, Mangaluru on Friday, October 14. MLA of Mangaluru south constituency, JR Lobo inaugurated the unit built in association with Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe, a German organization.

Speaking on the occasion, the MLA said that the Cleft lip is a deformation that comes by birth. “The parents of the affected children are always anxious about the child's future. It is not only the stigma about the disease but the inferiority complex about the disease that makes these children deprived of education. These centres not only bring the affected children to the mainstream but also fill them with confidence. May this center grow as service oriented," he said.

Regional director of Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe for South Asia, Dushyanth Prasad said that it is sixteenth center with their collaboration in India. “We have operational centres in 11 countries. We selected Father Muller hospital because of the vast history of their service to mankind. Our aim is to deliver quality Cleft care to the underprivileged, so that these children can lead a normal and productive life." he added.

Speaking on the occasion, director of Father Muller charitable institutions Fr Patrick Rodrigues said "We will do our best to treat the stigma and complex associated with this deformation with superior treatment. I thank Deutsche Cleft Kinderhilfe who function for collaborating with us in this noble mission.".

Administrator of the hospital Fr Richard Coelho, assistant director Fr Rudolf D' Sa, Dean Dr Jayaprakash Alva and others were present on the occasion.