Zahedan University of Medical Sciences

Report from: Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, International Affairs Office

Published on: June 2, 2025

The Center of Excellence for Cleft Lip and Palate Care and Surgery was officially inaugurated at Al-Zahra Hospital in Zahedan on June 4, 2025, through a collaborative effort between the Nadjmi Foundation and Zahedan University of Medical Sciences.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Mohammad Hassan Mohammadi, Chancellor of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, highlighted the significance of this initiative. He pointed out that Sistan and Balouchistan Province experiences a high prevalence of cleft lip and palate cases, coupled with limited access to specialized medical facilities and the substantial costs associated with treatment, making the establishment of such a center crucial. Furthermore, he mentioned that patients with these conditions typically require a comprehensive array of post-surgical services—including speech therapy, dentistry, orthodontics, audiology, psychological counseling, and early-life education in areas such as nutrition and development—which will now be available through this center.

Dr. Mohammadi emphasized that in addition to the physical difficulties, these congenital deformities may result in social stigma and rejection, which can profoundly impact the psychological health of both the children and their families.

Consequently, this can obstruct the children's ability to integrate into society and restrict their academic and social progress. Therefore, addressing these issues is a crucial step toward improving both the personal and social development of the children affected.

Dr. Naser Nadjmi, a sub-specialist in maxillofacial surgery and the head of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association at the University of Antwerp in Belgium, remarked during the inauguration ceremony that, despite the difficulties encountered in establishing this center, the collaborative efforts and mutual dedication of the Nadjmi Foundation and Zahedan University of Medical Sciences ultimately led to the successful implementation of the project. He highlighted that timely treatment of cleft lip and palate can avert numerous future complications and greatly enhance the quality of life for patients.

Dr. Momeni, the Vice Chancellor for Treatment Affairs at ZAUMS, mentioned that the cleft lip and palate philanthropic surgeries in Zahedan launched in 2016 by the Mohkam Foundation and Dr. Roshan-Zamir played an important role as the foundation representative in this project.  He further stated that, with the launch of this center and the continued support from the Nadjmi Foundation, comprehensive support services—including psychological counseling, nutritional planning, surgical scheduling, and postoperative follow-up—will now be available in a centralized facility.

This center signifies a significant achievement in the enhancement of medical services in southeastern Iran and establishes a standard for the integrated care of patients with congenital deformities.

Copyright © 2025 Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Date updated: 02/05/2025

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