Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cure International India Trust to implement a state-wide Clubfoot Management Programme.
The agreement aims to provide free treatment for clubfoot, a congenital condition that affects new born babies, ensuring immediate at the same time effective intervention to treat the condition.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, who emphasized the importance of early intervention in managing clubfoot.
“Early treatment of clubfoot is crucial, and parents should seek medical help immediately after the birth of their child. Odisha Government’s collaboration with Cure International India Trust ensures that treatment is accessible and free of cost for families across the State,” Minister Mahaling said.
Dr. Santhosh George, Director of Cure International India Trust, explained that surgery is not essentially required for treating clubfoot. Instead, the Trust has developed specialized footwear that helps address the condition effectively. The footwear comes in 22 different sizes, designed to fit children with clubfoot.
Dr. George expressed optimism, stating, “Currently, the success rate for clubfoot treatment in Odisha is 50%. With continued government support, we expect to achieve a 100% success rate within the next few years.”
Key features of the MoU:
- Statewide Coverage: The Government plans to expand the programme across the state by establishing treatment centers in every district, ensuring that all children have access to care.
- Training and Capacity Building: The programme includes extensive training for medical professionals on the Ponseti method, a non-surgical technique used for clubfoot correction.
- No Financial Burden on the State: Cure International India Trust will bear all costs associated with the programme, including training, distribution of foot abduction braces (special shoes), and the employment of counsellors to guide families through treatment and follow-up care.
- Successful Track Record: Since the beginning of the programme, Cure India has treated 6,301 children as of 18th December 2024. The Trust is committed to achieving a Clubfoot-Free Odisha, with no child left untreated due to lack of awareness or access.
The MoU was renewed for another two years, from January 16, 2025, to January 15, 2027, with the shared vision of making Odisha free of clubfoot. The state’s Health and Family Welfare Department, Women and Child Development Department, and Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department are signatories to the MoU, ensuring a collaborative approach to the programme’s implementation.
Aswathy S, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr. Atula Jamir, National Coordinator, Cure International India Trust, Jasmin Patnaik, Joint Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Upasana Sahoo, State Coordinator, Cure International India Trust and others were present in the MoU signing ceremony.
