Operation Smile

Marc Cosep

Cebu City (December 2, 2022) -- This is mana from heaven.

Mayor Mike Rama expressed his gratitude to Operation Smile Philippines (OSP) as they
launch the Cebu Comprehensive Cleft Care Center of Excellence today at the Cebu City
Medical Center (CCMC).

Rama, who graced the launching said he is “very pleased” as oral health in cleft care is
close to his heart.

“I always get emotional because cleft care is really close to m heart and I’m beyond
grateful that operation smile offered to build its facility at the CCMC at no cost from the
government,” said the Mayor.

Earlier today, OPS launched the construction of its first comprehensive cleft care facility
outside metro manila.

The facility will occupy half of the sixth floor of the CCMC building and is expected to be
operational in six months.

The center will include five operating tables, a diagnosis, and medical evaluation facility,
nutrition, and dental care facility, as well as speech services and counseling support.

Kevin Thor, OPS Regional Director said the center will be a premier facility similar to
their facilities located in Manila, Pampanga, and Mindanao.

Once complete, they will serve around 3,000 patients annually for free.

“Before we only operate up to 3 days when we have OPS and with the construction of a
dedicated center at CCMC, we can now serve patients daily all for free,” said Thor.

Furthermore, Thor said the facility will also serve as an education and training center
for surgical, anesthesia, child psychology, and speech providers to develop the next
generation of local medical leaders in Cebu.

“This is also in line with our mission of increased access to quality cleft care as well,”
Thor added.

Likewise, Rama said with the completion of the facility, CCMC will serve as a benchmark
for other medical institutions as well.
“Soon CCMC and the City of Cebu will have their place in the health care industry and it
is all thanks to everyone including the council who supported our vision,” Rama said.