KUCHING: A transformative programme, ‘Gift of Smile’, aimed to bring hope and joy to the children of Sarawak born with a cleft lip and palate was unveiled here Monday.
Looking at the challenges faced by these children, KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia had come together to create the programme to address their unique needs.
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian commended the effort made by the three entities.
“We are very fortunate that KPJ Kuching, SGH, and RMHC have come together to help the children who are born with a cleft lip and palate. None of them chose to be born as such but we have the choice to do something and help them.
“Having a cleft lip and palate does not only affect their appearance but also their speech, problems with eating, and so on. That is why early surgery is needed for them to lead a normal life. Moreover, they only need to be operated once in their life.
“That is why I am grateful for this programme as the children will be given a chance to lead a normal life,” he said at the launching of the programme at KPJ Kuching here.
Meanwhile, RMHC Malaysia Board Member Dr Richard Wong explained that the ‘Gift of Smile’ is a financial aid programme to provide financial support to children born with a cleft lip and palate to get access to corrective surgeries needed.
He added that since its inception in 2004, RMHC has collaborated with 12 hospitals nationwide and has benefitted more than 1,000 children born with a cleft lip and palate with more than RM5 million worth of financial aid disbursed.
A cleft lip and palate surgery costs at least RM7,000. Therefore, for this year’s programme, the joint initiative has allocated more than RM150,000 for the children and they are looking into continuing it next year.
Aside from getting their surgery as early as when they are three months old, the children will also remain in the programme until they are 21-years-old.
As of now, a total of 20 children will be identified by SGH and evaluated by RMHC Malaysia to determine their eligibility to receive sponsorship and assistance in undergoing various corrective procedures.
Those who are eligible will receive a comprehensive range of services tailored to each child’s requirement.
These services include specialised surgeries, speech therapy, dental care, psychosocial support, and access to education resources for both the children and their families.
