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By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, July 24: The ‘Gift of Smile’ programme brings hope and joy to 20 children born with cleft lip and palate in Sarawak.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also the Sarawak Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, said for those born with the condition, it does not affect just their appearance but also, among others, their speech and eating.
“That is why I am grateful that KPJ Group would not just do the operation but also provide necessary post-operation care such as speech therapy, dental care, psychosocial support, and access to educational resources for both the children and their families,” he told a press conference after launching the ‘Gift of Smile’ programme at the KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital here today.
He added that members of the public can also help by donating any amount they wish to the programme whenever they go to a McDonald’s restaurant.
The Gift of Smile programme is a joint initiative by KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia.
A total of RM150,000 was allocated for the programme by RMHC Malaysia for the two-year programme at KPJ Hospital.
Through the programme, children from the less fortunate group are selected as early as three to six months old and will remain in it until the age of 21.
Currently, applications for the programme are only available in SGH and KPJ Specialist Hospital via case reference. — DayakDaily
