Hospital Infantil Varela Santiago seeks to expand cleft lip and palate treatment access

Hospital Infantil Varela Santiago in Rio Grande do Norte has announced an initiative to increase access to treatments for patients with cleft lip and palate. The hospital reports that the current number of patients referred through the Unified Health System (SUS) is below the capacity of its specialized center, the Centro de Reabilitação de Fissuras Labiopalatais do Rio Grande do Norte (CREFIRN).

To address this gap, the institution aims to strengthen referral flows, particularly by working more closely with maternity wards and other public health services to ensure children are diagnosed and directed to specialized care earlier. The CREFIRN receives funding from Smile Train and utilizes a multidisciplinary team, including surgeons, dentists, speech therapists, and nutritionists.

As part of the Cleft Week 2026 program, scheduled for September 30 and October 1, the hospital will present data on patient indicators, surgeries performed, and treatment outcomes. The event will also include activities for patients and their families to promote awareness and community engagement.