Himalaya ties up with NGO to provide free cleft-lip surgeries

MUMBAI:Himalaya drug company has partnered with NGO Smile Train India to provide free cleft-lip surgeries to the underprivileged, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
As part of the initiative 'Muskaan', Himalaya Lip Care will enable a minimum of 100 cleft surgeries through Smile Train India in the first year of their partnership, and so far 55 cleft surgeries have already been completed.

From the second year onwards, a contribution of Rs 2 from the purchase of every Himalaya Lip Care product will be made towards the cause.

"We understand that lips are conduit to expression of one's emotions and confidence, but a cleft condition hinders both. As a leading brand, we have taken this initiative to support the patients suffering from cleft-lip and help make a difference in their lives," Himalaya Drug Company's Business Head-Consumer Products, Rajesh Krishnamurthy said.

"The treatment of cleft is hampered more due to the economic and perception constraints, thus the need to provide access to free surgeries and spread awareness becomes more pressing. The launch of 'Muskaan' and our association with Smile Train is aimed at meeting these," he added.

Smile Train Vice President and Regional Director for South Asia, Mamtaa Carrol said that over ten lakh children in India live with untreated clefts and this birth defect impairs eating, speaking and breathing and can lead to a life filled with shame and social isolation for the children and their families.

"In the last 16 years, we have helped provide new smiles and second chances in life to over 4,50,000 children in India," she added.