Manila gets free-smile clinic

The city of Manila has reason to grin as Operation Smile, a nongovernment organization that offers free surgeries on cleft palates, will be opening a center at the Sta. Ana hospital.

In a memorandum of agreement signed last week between the city government and Operation Smile Philippines (OSP), it was settled that the city-run hospital would provide space and facilities for the Manila Cleft Care Center where free surgeries will be conducted by hospital personnel and OSP surgeons.

Cleft lip surgeries usually cost P70,000 to P100,00 in private hospitals, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim told reporters.

Surgeries are expected to begin at the center in the next two weeks, Lim said, as he expressed surprise that around 70 patients trooped to the center during its inauguration last week.

Sta. Ana hospital director Mario Lato said the center would prioritize Manila residents, but would also accommodate non-Manilans who would pass screening procedure by OSP.

The center will also provide free pre and post-surgical services.