Odisha Government Partners to Launch Clubfoot Treatment Initiative

Synopsis

The Odisha government has signed an MoU with Cure International India Trust to roll out a statewide Clubfoot Management Programme, providing free treatment for newborns with clubfoot. The initiative emphasizes early intervention and aims to establish treatment centers in every district to ensure access for all children.

Key Takeaways

Odisha government signs MoU with Cure International India Trust.
Programme provides free treatment for clubfoot.
Specialized footwear developed for effective treatment.
Success rate for treatment currently at 50%.
Goal to establish treatment centers in all districts.

Bhubaneswar, Feb 11 (NationPress) On Tuesday, the Odisha government formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cure International India Trust to initiate a comprehensive Clubfoot Management Programme across the state.

The primary objective of this agreement is to deliver complimentary treatment for clubfoot, a congenital disorder impacting newborns, ensuring timely and effective intervention for affected infants.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Mukesh Mahaling, the state’s Health and Family Welfare Minister.

During the event, Mahaling highlighted the significance of early intervention in clubfoot management.

“Prompt treatment of clubfoot is essential, and parents should seek medical assistance immediately after their baby’s birth. This partnership between the Odisha Government and Cure International India Trust guarantees that families throughout the state can access treatment at no cost,” remarked Health Minister Mahaling.

Dr. Santhosh George, Director of Cure International India Trust, clarified that surgical procedures are not always necessary for clubfoot treatment. Instead, the Trust has created specialized footwear that effectively addresses the condition. This footwear is available in 22 different sizes tailored for children with clubfoot.

Dr. George expressed hope, stating, “Currently, the success rate for clubfoot treatment in Odisha stands at 50 percent. With ongoing government backing, we anticipate achieving a 100 percent success rate in the coming years.”

According to a statement from the Health Department, the state government intends to broaden the programme by establishing treatment centers in every district, ensuring that all children have access to necessary care.

The Health Department aims to provide extensive training for medical professionals on the Ponseti method, a non-surgical technique used for correcting clubfoot.

Since the programme's inception, Cure India has successfully treated 6,301 children as of December 18, 2024. Consequently, the MoU has been extended for an additional two years, from January 16, 2025, to January 15, 2027, with the mutual goal of making Odisha free of clubfoot.

Significantly, the state’s Health and Family Welfare Department, Women and Child Development Department, and Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department are all signatories to the MoU, underscoring a collaborative effort in executing the programme.