(VNF) - About 80 children with harelip and cleft palate received free surgeries from October 4^th to 7^th at the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology (201A Nguyen Chi Thanh street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh city) after having been examined on October 3^rd.

The checkups and surgeries were conducted by the Operation Smile Vietnam, in association with the Ho Chi Minh City’s National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology, the Vinh International Hospital, the Vietnam-Cuba Hospital and the National Fund for Vietnamese Children.

Following stages of the medical program will be held from October 10^th to 14^th for about 120 needy children at the Vinh International Hospital, and from October 18^th to 21^st for about 120 needy children at the Vietnam-Cuba Hospital.

The start of International Mission “Until we heal” in Vietnam, a campaign to advocate for the billions of people worldwide who lack access to safe surgical care, like operations to fix cleft lip and cleft palate. (Photo: Operation Smile Vietnam)

The children with free operations are often more than 6 months old and free from heart or lung diseases, severe malnutrition, high fever, diarrhea or asthma cough, diabetes and some other special diseases. In addition, patients will also receive meals and transportation allowances during their treatments.

In the first three quarters of this year, over 1,000 children with harelip and cleft palate are given free checkups and over 500 children received free surgeries.

The Operation Smile continues to give free checkups and surgeries, with a number of fundraising activities such as Fun Run program in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Mountain Marathon./.

( Compiled by VNF )