Liliya Gumerova: "Operation Smile-2015" in Ufa proved that no sanctions can destroy Russia’s humanitarian relations with foreign countries"

UFA, 31 August 2015. /Bashinform News Agency, Elmira Sabirova/. In Ufa, the second year in a row the "Operation" Smile -2015" medical charity campaign is held. In the Republican Children's Hospital surgeons perform operations on removing cleft lip and palate. In order to help the young patients doctors from America, Canada, Philippines, Minsk and Krasnoyarsk came to the Bashkir capital. Together with their colleagues from the Children's Hospital, they will operate about 45 children not only from Bashkortostan, but also from neighboring regions.

Last year, during the campaign it was consulted 120 children, 58 of them underwent surgery. To date, about 2,000 such children are subject to regular medical check-up. Every year, the Republican Children's Hospital doctors carry out 120 similar operations, they operate all children free of charge", said the Deputy Minister of Health RB Elsa Syrtlanova.

Also, the Deputy Minister added that this year as part of the campaign a research and practice conference with international participation will be organized. Its participants will highlight not only the practical aspects but also the theoretical issues of surgeries and patients care.

Bivik Shah, the maxillofacial surgeon from the USA and his colleague, anesthetist from Canada Marlon Michel admitted that they were happy to help children from Russia. Both experts participated in similar campaigns in other countries. They noted high qualification of Ufa doctors, their openness and willingness to help, hospital equipment, large spacious operating rooms.

Liliya Gumerova, the First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee for Science, Education and Culture, the chairman of the organizing committee of this campaign thanked the charitable organization "Operation Smile", all the doctors involved and the project sponsors.

“The "Operation Smile-2015" in Ufa proved that no sanctions can destroy humanitarian and personal relations that Russia has with foreign countries", Liliya Gumerova stressed.

On September 1, a charity concert in Bashkir State Philharmonic Society is planned for the project t participants. On September 4, a flash mob will be held in Salavat Yulaev Square beginning at 18.00.

The sponsor of the charity project is Zenit Banking Group.