Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center Marks 25,000 Transformative Surgeries, Bringing Smiles Across Northeast India

Guwahati, 12 November –The Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center (GC4) of Mission Smile has reached an extraordinary milestone: the completion of 25,000 cleft lip and palate surgeries, a life-changing achievement that has transformed lives across Northeast India. Since its founding in 2010, GC4 has been a beacon of hope, restoring smiles and futures for thousands of children and families in the region.
The historic 25,000th surgery, performed on Baby Ligang Pegu of Piyang Village from Silapathar block of Dhemaji District, took place on October 31, 2024, marking a new chapter in GC4’s legacy of free, high-quality cleft care. GC4 has become the trusted first choice for families facing the challenges of raising a child with a cleft condition, providing essential services without cost. This achievement underscores the success of a unique public-private partnership (PPP) established in 2010 through a Memorandum of Understanding between Mission Smile, the Assam Governmentand the National Health Mission (NHM) Assamwhich has made comprehensive cleft care accessible across the region.
In reflecting on this milestone, Ranjit Barthakur, one of the founding members of the foundation, expressed gratitude to GC4’s exceptional team: “This milestone is a testament to the tireless dedication of our surgeons, anesthesiologists, staff, international and national volunteers. Each surgery represents a new beginning for a child and their family and each achievement strengthens our resolve to provide transformative healthcare to all in need.”
GC4’s work goes beyond surgery. The Center emphasizes early intervention, consistent follow-up and community outreach, offering holistic care that reduces the stigma often associated with cleft conditions. Through awareness campaigns and pre-screening camps, GC4 helps families access vital treatment, preparing them for their child’s transformative journey.
Honorable Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, who initiated this vision as Health Minister in 2010, has seen GC4 emerge as a premier example of multidisciplinary collaboration in cleft care, setting a standard for excellence that spans across India& the world.
Each year, thousands of children in India are born with cleft lip and palate, facing challenges in feeding, speech, hearing, and social integration. GC4 addresses these needs holistically, offering not only surgical care but also nutritional support, speech therapy, dentistry, and emotional counseling, creating a support system that transforms lives.
Mission Smile extends its heartfelt gratitude to the donors, partners, and supporters who have empowered this journey. As GC4 celebrates this significant milestone, it rededicates itself to expanding the impact of accessible and compassionate cleft care across India.
On the 14th November as we celebrate 25000 safe surgeries in GC4, we present the Global Honour in Cleft Careto Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma in recognition of his invaluable contribution toward enabling Mission Smile to achieve this milestone.
For more information, please visit www.missionsmile.org.