Welcome to this insightful conversation with Dr. Dushyant Prasad, the Executive Director of ABMSS. As one of the leading figures in cleft care in India, Dr. Prasad has dedicated his career to transforming the lives of children and families affected by cleft lip and palate conditions. In this interview, we delve into his journey, the challenges faced by ABMSS, and the innovative approaches they’ve implemented to provide comprehensive cleft care. Dr. Prasad shares his vision for the organization and the inspiring impact of their work across the country.
Personal Motivation
1. Dr. Dushyant Prasad, what inspired you to dedicate your career to working with ABMSS and supporting children born with cleft lip and palate?
I began my career managing a chain of cosmetic surgery clinics, where I was first exposed to cleft lip and palate surgeries. A German foundation approached us to take up cleft surgeries under CSR initiatives. Witnessing the transformative power of these surgeries, I realized the profound impact they had on children and their families. This experience ignited my passion for this cause, prompting me to transition into the nonprofit sector. Setting up programs in collaboration with hospitals and ministries helped solidify my dedication to making comprehensive cleft care accessible and sustainable.
Leadership Journey
2. How has your journey as the Executive Director of ABMSS shaped your understanding of the challenges faced by children with cleft conditions and their families?
My journey has been an eye-opener to the multifaceted challenges these children face—social ostracization, lack of access to timely care, and a dearth of trained professionals. Over the years, I’ve realized that addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach. ABMSS focuses not just on surgeries but also on speech therapy, orthodontic treatments, psychological counseling, and nutritional support. Additionally, working with families has deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve to create sustainable solutions.
Also Read: Dr. Dushyant Prasad: Transforming Lives Through Leadership at ABMSS
Vision as a Leader
3. As a leader in this field, what personal philosophy or strategies drive your efforts to create impactful and sustainable change for children with cleft lip and palate?
My philosophy revolves around going beyond the smile. It’s not just about surgery but creating a holistic ecosystem of care that includes education, advocacy, and innovation. Training a new generation of cleft care professionals, ensuring surgical safety, and integrating technology are key pillars of our strategy. Sustainability comes from collaboration—with governments, NGOs, and the medical community—combined with a relentless focus on quality and accessibility.
ABMSS and Its Programs
4. ABMSS’s outreach mission emphasizes educating communities about cleft conditions and raising awareness about early intervention. Can you explain the strategies you use to make this outreach effective?
Our outreach strategies are threefold. First, we focus on awareness programs in schools and communities to identify patients and inform society about cleft conditions. Second, we work closely with government programs like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to promote inclusivity and prevent stigmatization. Lastly, we involve private and public stakeholders to amplify our message, ensuring cleft children are treated with dignity and referred to us promptly.
5. How does ABMSS overcome barriers to ensure timely access to treatment for children with cleft lip and palate in remote and underserved areas?
We’ve addressed barriers by partnering with the government under the RBSK program, ensuring children born with cleft conditions are identified early and referred to our partner hospitals. Additionally, we leverage local healthcare networks and conduct mobile health camps to reach remote areas. Our focus on training local professionals ensures that expertise is available closer to where patients live, minimizing delays in care.
6. What role do collaborations with medical professionals, local governments, and other NGOs play in scaling ABMSS’s impact? Are there any partnerships you’d like to highlight?
Collaborations are vital to our success. Our partnership with the government through RBSK (Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram) under the National Health Mission program has streamlined patient identification and referrals. Another key partnership is with the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India, through which we’ve launched simulation-based surgical training for young surgeons. These collaborations not only scale our impact but also ensure long-term sustainability.
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7. What are ABMSS’s plans for expanding its outreach and treatment programs in the future? Are there any new initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes or providing long-term support to affected families?
Looking ahead, ABMSS aims to expand its fellowship programs, ensuring more trained professionals are available across the country. We’re also focusing on innovative solutions, such as low-cost medical devices and technology-driven care delivery. Additionally, we’re working on long-term support initiatives, including family counseling and community reintegration programs, to ensure that children with cleft conditions can lead fulfilling lives.
Thank you, Dr. Dushyant Prasad, for sharing your inspiring journey and the remarkable work being done at ABMSS. Your dedication to holistic cleft care and your insights into addressing societal and medical challenges have been truly enlightening. This conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and empathy in making a lasting impact.
We look forward to seeing ABMSS continue its incredible work and wish you great success in creating more smiles and transforming more lives in the future.
