18 free surgeries within the program "Emirati Smile Operation" In cooperation with "Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi"
Abu Dhabi, 21st October / WAM / The Emirates Operation Smile Foundation continues its surgical program to treat patients suffering from deformities of the lip or palate, hosted by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where 18 free surgeries were performed this month of October out of a total of 63 patients who underwent examination, as part of the ninth cycle of the program.
Cooperation with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in implementing this program reflects the keenness to provide health care according to the highest international standards to patients at no cost.
In addition to surgeries, patients received speech evaluations, dental care, nutritional guidance, and pediatric support.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common congenital conditions in the world. They occur when parts of the lip or palate do not fuse together during pregnancy. In addition to their effect on the external appearance, these deformities may affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, or breathe, and may lead to ear infections and dental problems.
With timely surgical intervention and comprehensive care that includes dental and orthodontic services, speech therapy, nutrition counseling, and psychosocial support, children and adults with these deformities can live normal, healthy, prosperous lives.
On October 5, the multidisciplinary “Operation Smile” medical team evaluated 63 patients at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Each patient met with a nurse, pediatrician, anesthesiologist, surgeon, dentist, orthodontist, nutritionist, and speech therapist. These coordinated evaluations helped guide the process of selecting cases for surgery and connecting families. With ongoing care pathways tailored to meet their needs.
Over the course of October 18 and 19, medical volunteers from the Operation Emirati Smile initiative provided care to patients, focusing on cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries, or one of them.
To enhance comprehensive care for lip and palate deformities, a concurrent dental program was implemented in the hospital during surgery days, allowing patients who were not candidates for surgery to receive essential dental treatments, thus maximizing the scope and impact of the program.
This year, the program brings together 38 medical volunteers from “Operation Smile” from within the UAE, including doctors, nurses, dentists, and residents, in addition to two nurses from outside the country, with the support of four student volunteers.
A number of caregivers at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi also devote their time to planning and supporting surgeries during the weekend, and medical supervision is led by Dr. Mehdi Shokani, Chief of the Ear, Nose and Throat Department at the Institute of Integrated Specialized Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and an internationally accredited volunteer for “Operation Smile,” to ensure the highest standards of safety and care focused on the patient.
Morag Cromie-Hawk, Executive Director of the UAE Operation Smile Foundation, said: “This program provides free, comprehensive care to patients throughout the country, and thanks to the commitment of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and our community of medical professionals who volunteer their time, together, we bring care closer to patients’ homes and help those with deformities of the lip or palate access health care services that are needed.” They deserve it.
For his part, Dr. Mehdi Shokani said: “Our caregivers are proud to support Operation Smile Emirates by opening our facilities and working alongside volunteer doctors to provide safe, high-quality care. This partnership embodies our shared mission of putting patients first and providing world-class, multi-disciplinary care to the community. As a surgeon, I have witnessed first-hand how lip surgery can Or palate, along with dental care, speech therapy, nutritional counseling, and child support, can transform a child’s life.”
Dr. Shukakani expressed his pride in being part of a program that restores vital jobs, renews confidence, and gives sustainable hope to families across the UAE.
To enable families in the UAE who have individuals with lip or palate deformities to communicate via email: patients@operationsmileuae.ae, medical professionals wishing to volunteer can also contact via email: medicalvolunteers@operationsmileuae.ae
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has been hosting these programs since 2017, supporting surgeries for more than 100 patients, and the hospital’s continued support reflects its commitment to multidisciplinary care that puts the patient first, and to enabling equitable access to basic health care services in the UAE.
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