Ritu is an Indian child living outside of Mumbai. We accompany her on her trip to the hospital.
Ritu enjoys the boat ride very much. She usually stays at home.
Reaching Mumbai, we blend in with the crowds in a city of over 20 million inhabitants.
We take a cab to the hospital. The traffic is hectic and noisy.
Before surgery, Dr. Sabnis again makes clear to Ritu’s father the three hour-procedure.
The last preparations are made.
Ritu right after the surgery: she is sound asleep and her mother is watching over her.
Two weeks after the operation: the cleft is no longer to be seen.
Many children live in her village. Ritu sits happily on her swing as we arrive.
Before we leave, Ritu’s mother prepares some food for the trip. She cooks at a fireplace in front of her house.
All set, we begin the journey. In order to reach the hospital we have to cross the river by ferry.
Ritu is eight years old and the youngest of four brothers and sisters.
In joyful anticipation we walk towards the embarking point of the ferry. The children come along.
Her parents accompany her to the hospital. During that time, neighbors will take care of the other three children.
We reach the ferry.
And off we go into a life without a cleft.