KUCHING: The Gift of Smile programme, a heartwarming Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, has successfully completed its second edition today (Dec 21).
KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital (KPJ Kuching general manager Nor Azlina Jemain said that CSR initiative continues its mission to bring smiles to children in need by providing free cleft lip and palate surgeries.
“Every smile restored is a life transformed. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of these children and their families, and the Gift of Smile programme is a testament to the power of collaboration.
“This initiative also reflects KPJ Healthcare’s ongoing dedication to the community, driven by its C.A.R.E. Shared Values to deliver committed, accountable, respectful, and excellent healthcare solutions.
“Through the commitment of skilled medical teams and the solid support of the programme’s partners, children from diverse backgrounds have been given a chance to lead healthier and more confident lives,” she said in a press release issued by KPJ Kuching.
Building on this success, the second edition of the programme, organised in 2024, has expanded its reach and impact with another 10 patients benefiting from the surgeries, with an increased age range of three months to 13 years.
Additionally, this time, four surgeries were performed at KPJ Kuching, while six were conducted at KPJ Miri, showcasing the programme’s flexibility and growing outreach in addressing regional healthcare needs.
The success of the surgeries prompted parents of the young patients to express heartfelt gratitude for the programme, describing it as a lifeline for families who could not afford specialised medical procedures.
Meanwhile, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) plastic surgeon Dr Daphne Dewi Stephen said that this initiative exemplifies how private-public partnerships can provide sustainable solutions to healthcare challenges.
“Collectively, we are creating a ripple effect of positive change within the community. Each year marks a step forward in bridging healthcare accessibility gaps, offering not just medical care but also hope and brighter futures to countless families,” she said.
For the record, this impactful programme, a collaboration between KPJ Kuching and SGH, is supported by the unwavering commitment of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia to community well-being focusing on providing life-changing care to underprivileged children across Sarawak.
Through this programme, KPJ Kuching’s medical experts work closely with SGH’s dedicated teams, leveraging their combined expertise to ensure safe and successful surgical outcomes.
In the meantime, RMHC Malaysia offers financial and logistical assistance to help families overcome obstacles in accessing services, staying committed to initiatives like Gift of Smile to ensure every child receives the care they deserve.
