Dozens of children undergo cleft lip surgery at Ciracas Regional Hospital, East Jakarta
A total of 21 children underwent cleft lip and palate surgery during a social service event at Ciracas Regional Hospital in Cibubur, East Jakarta.
“Alhamdulillah, today I am at Ciracas Regional Hospital, East Jakarta, to attend a social service event for cleft lip surgery. A total of 31 registered. Today, 21 children can be operated on,” said East Jakarta Mayor Munjirin at Ciracas Regional Hospital, East Jakarta, on Wednesday.
Of the 31 children who registered, not all participants could immediately undergo the medical procedure. Each prospective patient had to go through a screening process to ensure their health condition and eligibility for surgery.
“So, 21 met the requirements, and of those from East Jakarta, DKI Jakarta in particular, there are 18, while the others are from outside the area. We do not set an age limit; it is open. However, on average, those present here are children who are still toddlers,” said Munjirin.
He said the cleft lip surgery social service is a form of shared concern for children who need medical treatment.
“We, from the East Jakarta City Government, certainly greatly appreciate activities like this. Besides the cleft lip surgery, this is to foster confidence in our children who were destined to be born with a cleft lip,” Munjirin explained.
A cleft lip condition, he said, can be one of the factors affecting a child’s self-confidence when interacting with their surroundings.
He expressed hope that the surgery can help children live their social lives with greater confidence, whether in the family, school or community environment.
“With the surgery, they will heal. God willing, later in the community, at school, in the family, and even as they grow into adulthood, these children of ours will certainly become confident,” said Munjirin.
Furthermore, he noted that a cleft lip condition is not something parents wish for.
Meanwhile, Head of Ciracas Regional Hospital Debby Permatasari said the free cleft lip surgery for the public is supported by the Indonesian Plastic Surgery Association and the Smile Train Foundation.
“This is entirely covered by the Indonesian Plastic Surgery Association and the Smile Train Foundation,” said Debby.
The 21 patients confirmed eligible for surgery had undergone a one-day screening process.
“We have the most participants compared to other areas, perhaps because East Jakarta has many residential areas. Adults today, God willing, will be operated on. However, the number of children is indeed greater than adults,” Debby revealed.