Launch of Gujarat and Rajasthan Chapters of CIPA in Global Hospital, Mount Abu

A group of parents of cleft children came together, decided to help other parents of cleft children, and formed an association called CIPA (Cleft India Parents Association).  These parents, who know the difficulties one has to face as new parents of cleft children, decided to use their experience to help other parents of cleft children, especially those who have limited knowledge of the treatment options available to them in India. The mission of CIPA is to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by cleft lip and palate in India.

The key function of CIPA is to provide comprehensive information to educate cleft patients and their families, organize local parent-to-parent support through its nationwide network, represent the interests of patients and parents, influencing policy on future treatment of cleft lip and palate, and advocating for family-centered team care, etc.

The Gujarat and Rajasthan Chapters of CIPA were launched in the auditorium of the Global Hospital and Research Center in Mount Abu. Parents of those children who had been operated on in Global Hospital for cleft lip/palate travelled from different parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan to participate in the event.

The program was organised with the initiative of Orthodontist Dr. Punit Batra, who is a visiting Orthodontist in Global Hospital and Research Center and is one of the founder members of CIPA.

Renowned Plastic Surgeon and member of the Global Advisory Board of Smile Train India, Dr. Karoon Agrawal, was also present on the occasion. Senior Dental Surgeon Dr. Niranjan Upadhyay welcomed the guests and the parents of cleft children. Dr. Nikhil Patel, Senior consultant neuropsychiatrist, also addressed the gathering.  BK Neelam co-ordinated the event.

Children who were operated on in Global Hospital for cleft/palate mesmerised the crowd with their inspiring speeches, prayers and songs.

Parents of cleft children and founder members of CIPA Mr. Deepak Malhotra and Mr. Lalit Gaur shared their experiences of raising a child with cleft lip/palate and encouraged the parents by telling their own story of how they turned the ‘abnormality’ into a ‘blessing’ and how their children have excelled and are giving their best in their respective fields.

Global Hospital and Research Centre in Mt. Abu, with the help of partner Smile Train India, offer free of charge corrective surgery for cleft lip/palate children from economically less privileged families.