MIRI: The Cleft Lip & Palate (CLP) Charity Project has benefited 400 CLP patients in Sarawak since it was initiated in 2004 by renowned plastic surgeon, Dr Kim Tan.
According to a statement, the three entities initially sourced funds for the project and the medical expertise.
They are the Columbia Asia Hospital, which provides the operation venue and facilities and other necessary assistance, the Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Malaysia (CLAPAM)
and the newly set up Cleft Lip and Palate Help Association Sarawak (CLAPHAS).
CLAPHAS chairperson, Datuk Dr Philip Raja said they would continue to carry out the project to help more poor patients to have corrective surgeries for their ailments so that they could live normal lives.
“So far, public support from donors – corporations, hotels, clubs, associations and individuals — has been very encouraging.
“With CLAPAM, we were already very successful. We decided to set up CLAPHAS among other things to manage funds solely for this project as we had received quite a substantial donation from a donor, Jenny Wee, who left a will to the project,” he said.
Dr Philip gave these details after receiving a RM3,000 donation from Inner Wheel Club, (IWC) Miri recently which was handed over by Inner Wheel District 331 chairman, Rokiah Staun during her brief visit here.
Accompanying her was IWC Miri president, Cecilia Sman and vice president Bharathi Anand and secretary, Florence Enau, secretary.
Also present were CAH, Miri general manager. Dr Chong Ket Cheong, CLAPHAS vice chairperson and secretary respectively, Ho Siew Choon and Ronnie Ng.
Dr Philip thanked IWC Miri and all donors and supporters for helping to ensure the success of the project.
“Continuous financial support from the public including IWC Miri is greatly needed to sustain this project so as many poor patients can benefit from it.
“If we leave these patients alone, they might not be able to have the corrective surgeries soonest.
“Firstly, it will be too expensive. Even for our campaign, each case costs us RM5,000 and if it is done at a private hospital, it will be between RM10,000 and RM12,000 which is way beyond their financial capabilities,” explained Dr Philip.
CLP was reported as one of the most common congenital conditions occurring in Malaysia. In Asian countries, it affects every 500 to 700 live births.
Meanwhile, the 22nd series of the Cleft Lip & Palate Charity project will be held at CAH – Miri from December 12 to 17 of this year.
A total of 25 patients aged one to 30 have registered for assessment for eligibility for corrective surgery; 16 are from Miri, three each from Bintulu and Baram and one each from Limbang, Kuching and Serian.
The campaign is meant for the rural folk in the state who are born with CLP and with a total family income of less than RM2,000.
Those who meet these criteria can call CAH – Miri for assessment while those who do not meet the criteria are also welcome to contact the hospital for advice.
