Agartala: The National Health Mission (NHM), Tripura has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mission Smile, Guwahati and Tripura Medical College & Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Teaching Hospital, Hapania, to strengthen treatment and surgical correction of cleft lip and cleft palate among children.
According to NHM Tripura, the agreement will cover children aged 0–18 years and is aimed at ensuring timely treatment, supporting better development and improving the quality of life of children affected by cleft lip and palate.
The initiative is linked to the broader child healthcare framework under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), which provides screening, referral, treatment and surgical care for children up to 18 years for various birth defects and health conditions. Mission Smile has previously been empanelled in Tripura for cleft lip and palate treatment under the programme.
The latest agreement brings NHM Tripura, Mission Smile and TMC & Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Teaching Hospital together to facilitate specialised cleft care for eligible children in the state.
The collaboration builds on previous cleft-care initiatives involving NHM Tripura and Mission Smile. In March 2026, 41 cleft lip and palate surgeries were reported at Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital with support from the two organisations.
Mission Smile says it provides comprehensive cleft treatment through partnerships with government bodies and healthcare institutions, including surgical care and outreach services.
