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Bhubaneswar, February 12, 2025: The Odisha government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cure International India Trust to implement a state-wide Clubfoot Management Programme, ensuring free treatment for children born with clubfoot.
The MoU, signed on Tuesday in the presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, aims to provide immediate and effective intervention for clubfoot, a congenital condition affecting newborns. The initiative ensures that treatment is accessible to all families across the state.
Emphasizing the importance of early intervention, Minister Mahaling stated, “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 free of cost and available in all districts.”
Dr. Santhosh George, Director of Cure International India Trust, highlighted that surgery is not always necessary for treating clubfoot. Instead, the Trust has developed specialized footwear available in 22 different sizes, designed to fit children with clubfoot and help correct the condition effectively.
Dr. George expressed optimism about the programme’s future, stating, “Currently, the success rate for clubfoot treatment in Odisha stands at 50 percent. With continued government support, we aim to achieve a 100 percent success rate within the next few years.”
According to a statement issued by the Health Department, the state government plans to expand the programme across Odisha by establishing treatment centers in every district, ensuring widespread access to care. Additionally, the initiative will include extensive training for medical professionals on the Ponseti method, a non-surgical technique used for clubfoot correction.
Since the inception of the programme, Cure International India Trust has successfully treated 6,301 children as of December 18, 2024. Given its success, the MoU has been renewed for another two years, from January 16, 2025, to January 15, 2027, with the shared goal of making Odisha free of clubfoot.
The 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.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details with official government sources before making any decisions related to the programme.
