Cleft lip and palate are conditions that affect millions of children worldwide, often leaving them untreated due to lack of awareness, resources, or access to healthcare. Leading India’s fight against these challenges is Dr. Dushyant Prasad, a pioneer in cleft and craniofacial care and the Executive Director of ABMSS. With innovation and compassion as his driving forces, Dr. Prasad has revolutionized cleft care, turning ABMSS into a beacon of hope for countless families.
A Leader’s Journey Rooted in Purpose
Dr. Prasad’s journey into cleft care is an inspiring tale of transformation. Beginning his career in cosmetic surgery, he managed a chain of clinics before a pivotal encounter with a German foundation introduced him to cleft lip and palate surgeries. Witnessing the profound impact these surgeries had on children and their families, he shifted his focus to nonprofit healthcare.
“I was inspired by the idea that one surgery could completely change a child’s life. It’s not just about physical transformation—it’s about giving a child the confidence to smile, speak, and dream,” Dr. Prasad shares.
After managing cleft care programs across India and internationally, Dr. Prasad, alongside his colleagues Dr. Ashish Shetty, Ameet Mirpuri, and Dr Chytra Anand, launched the Cleft India initiative of ABMSS. Their vision was to go “beyond smiles,” addressing the physical, psychological, and social needs of children born with cleft conditions.
ABMSS: A Holistic Approach to Cleft Care
Under Dr. Prasad’s leadership, ABMSS has evolved into a multifaceted organization driven by four key pillars:
- Gifting Smiles: Supporting over 4,000 cleft surgeries annually, ABMSS ensures comprehensive care that includes speech therapy, orthodontics, ENT services, nutritional counseling, and psychological support.
- Skill Drill: A fellowship program that trains young surgeons in cleft and craniofacial surgery, ensuring a future workforce of skilled professionals.
- CleftTech: Focused on innovation, this initiative develops cost-effective, non-invasive medical devices and technological advancements for improved care.
- Safety in the Operating Theatre (OT): Advocating for stringent safety protocols, ABMSS emphasizes timely, safe surgical procedures.
Dr Prasad addressing the cleft patients and their family during a cleft awareness and screening camp in Bangalore cleft centre
Driving Collaborative Excellence
Dr. Prasad has spearheaded collaborations that amplify ABMSS’s impact:
Partnership with the Government under RBSK (Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram)
By collaborating with the National Health Mission, ABMSS receives patient referrals directly from state governments, optimizing time and resources to reach more children.
Association with the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India (AOMSI)
This partnership has led to the establishment of simulation labs for training surgeons and conducting fellowship programs, elevating surgical expertise nationwide.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Under Dr. Prasad’s leadership, ABMSS has tackled some of the most pressing challenges in cleft care. Access to healthcare remains a significant hurdle, especially in remote areas. To address this, Dr. Prasad spearheaded outreach programs and mobile camps, ensuring families in the most isolated regions could access timely care.
Another major challenge is raising awareness. Many families are unaware that cleft conditions are treatable or fear the social stigma associated with seeking help. Through extensive community education campaigns, Dr. Prasad and his team have empowered families to seek treatment.
Dr. Prasad also emphasizes the importance of post-operative care and long-term support. “Cleft care doesn’t end with surgery,” he explains. “It involves speech therapy, nutritional support, and regular follow-ups to ensure holistic recovery.”
Community Outreach and Social Inclusion
Understanding the social stigma associated with cleft conditions, Dr. Prasad has prioritized community outreach to:
- Identify Patients
Ensuring children with cleft conditions are located and referred for treatment. - Raise Awareness
Educating communities about cleft conditions to prevent social ostracization and encourage early treatment. - Promote Inclusion
Partnering with initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and private schools, Dr. Prasad works tirelessly to ensure children with cleft conditions are treated with dignity and equality.
Dr. Prasad emphasizes the psychological impact of cleft conditions, advocating for a holistic approach that restores not just physical appearances but also confidence and self-esteem.
A Decade of Transformation
Reflecting on his 10 years at ABMSS, Dr. Prasad describes it as a “story of change.” The organization’s journey from delivering care to engaging deeply with beneficiaries has marked a paradigm shift. Patients and families are now active participants in their treatment plans, fostering trust and improved outcomes.
Dr. Prasad’s leadership philosophy centers on empathy, innovation, and sustainability. “Leadership isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about creating systems that prevent them in the first place,” he explains. His strategic approach, combined with a compassionate understanding of the challenges families face, has made ABMSS a leader in cleft care in India.
Also Read: Now Meet Dr. Om P. Kharbanda: A Pioneer in Orthodontics and Dental Health
Vision for the Future: Driving ABMSS Toward a Brighter Future
Dr. Prasad envisions a future where no child with a cleft condition goes untreated. Currently operating in 15 states, ABMSS is on a mission to establish centers across every state in India. By doubling their capacity to support 10,000 cases per year, Dr. Prasad aims to ensure every child has access to life-changing care.
His vision also includes expanding collaborations with government schemes like Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), NGOs, and corporate partners to scale outreach efforts and fund programs. Additionally, ABMSS is exploring initiatives to address the root causes of cleft conditions through research and awareness campaigns.
Dr. Prasad is at the forefront of building an international ecosystem in cleft care, fostering the exchange of ideas, innovation, and technology. He has spoken at esteemed platforms, including the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association and the European Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. Additionally, he serves on several committees, including the International Scientific Committee for the 17th World Congress of the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation.
Joining Hands for Change
Dr. Prasad emphasizes the need for collective effort to make a lasting impact. He invites individuals, organizations, and corporates to contribute through financial support, volunteering, or awareness campaigns.
“Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Together, we can give every child the chance to smile and thrive,” he concludes.
Dr. Dushyant Prasad’s journey at ABMSS is a testament to the power of compassion, vision, and dedication. Under his leadership, ABMSS has transformed the lives of over 46,000 children, breaking barriers to healthcare and inspiring hope. With innovative programs, strategic collaborations, and an unwavering commitment to holistic care, Dr. Prasad and ABMSS are set to reach even greater heights, ensuring that every child born with a cleft condition has the opportunity to live a life filled with dignity, confidence, and endless possibilities.
