Story of Ratika Mandal

Patient: Ratika Mandal

Mother’s Name: Sabita Mandal

Address: Balba–6, Mahottari Case: Cleft Palate
Life before Surgery
Ratika was born with an open palate (cleft palate). She faced difficulty while drinking milk and eating food. Milk, water, and food would come out through her nose, which caused frequent pneumonia, cough, and breathing problems. Her parents had no knowledge about cleft palate. Because of her condition, the family lived in stress, fear, and anxiety. They took her to a local hospital, where she only received treatment for pneumonia and breathing issues. The doctors said, “This problem can only be solved through surgery, you must go to Kathmandu.” But for her family, going to Kathmandu was not possible due to financial limitations, language barriers, and fear of surgery. So they had to give up the idea of treatment.
Beginning of Hope
When Ratika turned 3, the family visited a local PHC (Primary Health Center) for free medicines. The health workers noticed Ratika’s condition and informed them about Smile Train and CFC Hospital Janakpur, where cleft surgery is done free of cost.

The PHC health worker forwarded Ratika’s details to CFC Hospital. Soon, the CFC team directly visited their home, counseled the family, and gave them full assurance about free treatment.

They explained that transportation, food, accommodation, tests, medicines, and surgery would all be provided completely free by Smile Train and CFC Hospital Janakpur for the child and one family member.
 

The family felt hopeful and confident, and decided to travel to Janakpur for treatment.
 

At CFC Hospital, the team welcomed them with love, care, and complete support.
Successful Surgery – A New Beginning
 

The surgery was successful. After surgery, milk, water, and food no longer came out from her nose. She could now eat and swallow well, speak better, and stay healthy. Her overall health improved significantly.

Now, Ratika goes to school. Her teachers and friends treat her like a normal child. Her speech has improved, and she confidently interacts with friends and community members. The fear, shyness, and social isolation are gone.

 

According to her parents, “Now she can speak clearly and express herself in her own words.”

Her mother happily said —  “Smile Train and CFC Hospital did not just give my daughter a smile, they gave her a future".

Message from the Family

“We are deeply thankful to Smile Train and CFC Hospital Nepal for completely transforming our child’s life. From surgery, accommodation, transport, food, medicines — everything was provided free of cost.

Now we see a bright future for our daughter. If your child is born with a cleft problem, please don’t delay — contact CFC Hospital Janakpur. Here, there is hope, there is a smile, and there is a future.”