Free surgeries for children with facial deformities are being provided at the HCM City Medical University Hospital starting on Monday under Operation Smile. The project is funded by sponsors, including Lotte Mart, which has donated VND200 million (US$8,594) to the programme.

The programme screened 100 children from underprivileged families in provinces and cities like Dak Lak, An Giang, Tien Giang, Dong Nai, Can Tho, Binh Dinh, and Phu Yen, and chose 70-80 for the free surgeries.

To be eligible, children have to be at least six months old and weigh at least 8kg. Those with a cleft palate have to be at least 18 months old and weigh at least 10kg.

They should have no congenital defects like heart disease, epilepsy or neurological conditions.

In addition to the free medical examination and treatment, patients’ families get a partial subsidy of their transport and board and lodging costs when the children are in the hospital.

This is the fourth time that Lotte Mart has sponsored Operation Smile.

As well as bringing smiles to disadvantaged children, Lotte Mart has also undertaken other community programmes like providing scholarships to outstanding students. — VNS