The Da Nang Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital, with the assistance of staff from the Children's Hospital No 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, are this month providing free examinations and surgery for children with cleft lip or palate from across the central region and highlands.

This is part of a bilateral cooperation programme between the city’s Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital and Smile Train - the world’s leading children’s charity for providing cleft palate surgery to those in need.

Under the programme, free examinations are being provided at the Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital until 18 August.  Those who need surgery will be admitted to the hospital from 19 August to be prepared for their operations which will be undertaken between 25 and 27 August.

Any children with cleft lips and palates who want to register for the free examination and surgery can contact Dr Chau via 0907414606 or Dr Ha on 0906200683.