Long-term solutions for the delivery of craniofacial care in India and the developing world

An international group of craniofacial surgeons was consulted to identify means of providing care of consistent quality to children with craniofacial anomalies in India and subsequently use this as a model for delivering craniofacial care to children in need throughout the developing world. Three senior craniofacial surgeons were selected from the Medical Advisory Board of the World Craniofacial Foundation to evaluate eligible centers in India. A subcommittee of 10 surgeons from the World Craniofacial Foundation Medical Advisory Board was formed to help develop summary recommendations based on this site visit. These centers were selected after contacting plastic surgeons and orthodontists involved in craniofacial and cleft care throughout India and asking the director of each center to complete a questionnaire documenting their current level of activity. Based on these responses, 3 potential craniofacial centers in India were identified. These sites were selected as potential locations for the development of craniofacial centers that could provide free care to indigent patients who otherwise could not receive treatment. The sites chosen consisted of a private hospital (southern India), a state-run government hospital (central India), and a federal government hospital (northern India). After the site visits, the directors of each of the 3 potential craniofacial centers in India were asked to complete a questionnaire helping to further identify their specific needs. The subcommittee of the World Craniofacial Foundation Medical Advisory Board then developed a set of summary recommendations to help guide the development of regional craniofacial centers in India. We feel that this process will facilitate access to care to indigent children with craniofacial anomalies who would not otherwise be eligible to receive appropriate care.