Statewide ‘Maha Smiles' Initiative to be Launched from Nagpur
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with international NGO Smile Train India and Bajaj Finserv, under their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. It was initiated after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to corporate companies to work in this field. The campaign is not merely a medical drive but a transformative social movement expected to restore smiles and confidence to thousands of affected children.
As part of the first phase, three specially equipped mobile vans will travel across all 11 districts of Vidarbha over the next 90 days, spreading awareness about cleft conditions, providing early diagnosis, and facilitating free registration for surgical intervention. Surgeries will be conducted at partner hospitals in Nagpur, Gondia, Akola, and Wardha.
Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions affecting approximately 1 in every 700 births, causing gaps in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next
Tips and Tricks
Undo
Without timely treatment, children may face serious complications such as hearing loss, speech difficulties, malnutrition, and social isolation. However, with appropriate surgical care —often requiring multiple operations — children can go on to lead completely normal lives.
Unfortunately, due to the high cost of treatment, many children from economically weaker sections remain untreated. This initiative will ensure entirely free surgeries for such families, removing financial barriers to care.
Experts highlight that along with treatment, public awareness is critical to ensure early detection and timely medical help. 'Maha Smiles' is designed to bridge this gap, especially targeting rural and tribal communities, where lack of information often leads to delayed or no intervention.
Box
BRINGING BACK SMILES
* The statewide mission launch is scheduled for 11am-12.30pm on July 31
* Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Hospital Khapri will be the venue
* 3 mobile vans will travel across Vidarbha for the next 90 days
* Vans will conduct diagnosis, free registration for surgical intervention
* Surgeries will be conducted at partner hospitals in Nagpur, Gondia, Akola, and Wardha
Quote
Through the Maha Smiles campaign, we will ensure that no child in Maharashtra suffers the pain or isolation of an untreated cleft. This is not just about surgery — it is about restoring confidence, dignity, and hope to thousands of families
Devendra Fadnavis | Chief Minister
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
World Hepatitis Day: Early symptoms and spread of Hepatitis B
World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and liver cancer. This year's theme is Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down, shows urgency, a prompt action to dismantle the financial, social stigma that is attached to this condition against eliminating it. According to data published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) 304 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B and C since 2022, and 1.3 million people died of it in 2022 itself. Dr. Catharia Beohme, officer-in-charge of the WHO South-east Asia region, clearly stated that Viral hepatitis continues to be a needless suffering among thousands of innocent people, silently attacking our liver, spreading cancer, and causing hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year. She said, 'Across the Region, an estimated 61 million people live with hepatitis B, and 9 million with hepatitis C. Our Region bears one of the highest burdens of chronic viral hepatitis globally, yet most people living with the disease remain undiagnosed and untreated.' this is a global burden we are all suffering under and this needs to be addressed as son as possible. According world hepatitis alliance, Hepatitis is the world's deadliest virus after COVID-19, and more than 300 million people are living with hepatitis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Susan Boyle Is Now so Thin and Looks Beautiful! Undo Surprisingly, it is the leading cause of liver cancer. What is Hepatitis Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver that is caused by infectious viruses and Noninfectious agents, leading to a range of health problems, including severe liver damage and cancer, which we all know how deadly it is. There are 5 major strains of this virus,s namely A, B, C,D and E. While the other is no less than the first, particularly, each of them offer a different kind of liver disease. In particular, types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and together are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis-related deaths. What are the symptoms of Hepatitis People with hepatitis may or may not exhibit symptoms. Major symptoms include: Fever Malaise Loss of appetite Nausea Diarrhoea Abdominal discomfort Jaundice Dark-coloured urine Specifically, hepatitis B, C, and D can cause liver infection, which can later develop in liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. How to protect ourselves against Hepatitis B and its spread Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. The infection can be acute (short and severe) or chronic (long term). Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. The vaccine is usually given soon after birth with boosters a few weeks later. It offers nearly 100% protection against the virus. Ways it can be contracted Hepatitis B can commonly spread from mother to her child at birth or through horizontal transmission, especially from an infected child to an uninfected child during the first 5 years of their life. Hepatitis B is also spread by an infected person's needle, tattooing, piercing and exposure to infected blood and body fluids, such as saliva and menstrual, vaginal, and seminal fluids. Transmission of the virus may also occur through the sharing or reuse of contaminated needles and syringes or sharp objects, either in health care settings, in the community or among persons who inject drugs. Sexual transmission is more prevalent in unvaccinated persons with multiple sexual partners. Is it easily diagnosed? Its diagnosis requires a lab test, as its symptoms can mimic other hepatitis symptoms as well. WHO recommends screening in high-prevalence areas, pregnant women, blood donors, and high-risk groups. Only 13% of infected people knew their status in 2022, and 3% were receiving treatment. Coinfection with HIV occurs in about 1% of Hepatitis B cases; treatment for HIV often also treats Hepatitis B (WHO) Hepatitis, especially Hepatitis B remains a significant global health challenge, affecting millions, to reduce this global burden, this is an earnest request to spread as much information about it as possible, as this deadly disease requires a coordinated global action.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IIT-BHU researchers develop portable sensor for enrofloxacin detection in food; aim to curb antibiotic contamination
VARANASI: In a breakthrough for food and environmental safety, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology ( BHU ), Varanasi, developed a state-of-the-art dual-mode electrochemical sensing platform for the rapid extraction and detection of Enrofloxacin—an antibiotic widely used in the livestock industry. This innovative sensor integrates magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) with electrochemical detection techniques, offering a cost-effective, portable, and highly sensitive solution for real-time monitoring of antibiotic residues in food. The research team, led by Pranjal Chandra, includes Supratim Mahapatra, Ankur Singh, and Ratul Paul. Their work was recently published in the prestigious journal Small, and a patent was also filed for the technology. Enrofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is commonly used in veterinary medicine across India. However, its overuse raised serious public health concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified antibiotic resistance, especially to drugs like Enrofloxacin, as a major threat to global health. Residual traces of the antibiotic in food products such as milk and meat can lead to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making bacterial infections harder to treat in humans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Donating Sperm May Support Your Income SpellRock Undo Despite international regulations such as the European Union's maximum residue limits (MRLs) for Enrofloxacin in food, current detection methods remain complex, expensive, and impractical for field use. The IIT(BHU) innovation directly addresses these gaps. The newly developed sensor offers dual-mode detection capability (magnetic extraction + electrochemical quantification), a wide detection range from 100 picomolar (pM) to 10 millimolar (mM), an ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) of 161 femtomolar (fM), minimal sample preparation, real-time analysis, and high portability for field deployment in rural and resource-constrained areas. "This technology not only enhances the precision of food safety monitoring but also aligns with national missions such as Make in India and Start-up India," said Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT(BHU). "Dr. Chandra and his team took a significant step toward solving real-world challenges related to antimicrobial resistance and food contamination. Their innovation reflects the power of indigenous research and technological excellence." The device is expected to have broader applications in pharmaceutical screening, clinical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring, contributing significantly to global efforts to ensure food safety and public health.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
6 common mistakes that are slowly killing your aloe vera plant and how to fix them
Wondering why your aloe vera plant looks unhealthy despite your best efforts? Aloe vera is known for being hardy, but even this tough succulent can suffer from improper care. Yellowing leaves, mushy roots, or curling tips are all signs of distress, and they usually stem from a few common mistakes. Fortunately, most of these issues are easy to fix with a few simple changes. In this guide, we'll uncover the most common aloe vera care mistakes and show you how to bring your plant back to vibrant, healthy life. Why your aloe vera plant is dying and how to save it Overwatering One of the biggest mistakes with aloe vera is giving it more water than it needs. Aloe stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves, which makes it highly drought-tolerant. When you water too frequently or let the soil stay wet for long periods, the roots can rot due to lack of oxygen. This often shows up as yellow, mushy, or collapsing leaves. To prevent this, only water your aloe vera when the top 2–3 inches of soil feel completely dry. Always use a pot with drainage holes and never let the plant sit in a tray of standing water. In cooler months, reduce watering further, as the plant's water needs decrease. Poor Drainage Even if you're not watering too much, using the wrong soil or pot can still lead to root rot. Aloe vera needs soil that drains quickly—dense or compacted soil holds too much moisture and suffocates the roots. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Better Sleep, Better Mornings Start Here ResMed Buy Now Undo For best results, plant your aloe in a cactus or succulent soil mix. You can also improve aeration by adding coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Use a terracotta or unglazed ceramic pot, which allows excess moisture to evaporate faster. Insufficient Light Aloe vera loves sunlight. If it's kept in low-light areas or away from windows, it will become pale, yellow, or grow leggy and weak as it stretches towards any light source. Lack of light weakens its overall health. To support healthy growth, place your aloe vera near a bright window where it can get 6–8 hours of indirect sunlight daily. East or south-facing windows are ideal. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure even exposure and prevent leaning. Sudden Changes in Environment Aloe vera doesn't respond well to abrupt shifts in its environment. Moving it suddenly from shade to full sun can result in sunburned leaves. Likewise, putting it near air conditioning, heating vents, or drafty windows can cause stress. When relocating the plant, do it gradually, allowing it to adjust over several days. Also, avoid placing it near cold drafts, heat blasts, or areas where the temperature fluctuates frequently. Nutrient Deficiency While aloe vera is a light feeder, it still needs some nutrients to grow healthily, especially if it's been in the same pot for a long time. A lack of key nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, or iron can result in slow growth and pale yellow leaves. Feeding your aloe once or twice a year with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser in spring or early summer is usually sufficient. Avoid fertilising in winter, and be cautious not to overdo it, as excess fertiliser can damage the roots. Cold Exposure Aloe vera is a warm-climate plant and doesn't tolerate cold well. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can harm the plant and lead to brown or yellow leaves, especially if combined with overwatering. During winter or in colder climates, move your plant indoors and place it in a warm, draft-free location. Keep it away from cold windows and heating vents to avoid sudden temperature stress. It's completely normal for the older, bottom leaves of an aloe vera plant to turn yellow and die off. This is part of its natural growth cycle. Just trim away the dead or dying leaves with clean scissors and focus on giving your plant consistent, gentle care. With just a few adjustments, you can revive even the saddest-looking aloe vera and help it thrive again, green, plump, and full of life. Also Read: How to remove and prevent algae on tiles and concrete during the rainy season
