Operation Smile -- the charity that helps underprivileged children overseas receive plastic surgery, but saw some of its young patients die and others experience health complications -- acknowledged it lacked "proper oversight" in the incidents, the New York Times reports.
Last week, the organization notified its chapters that dramatic internal changes would be coming, based on recommendations from an attorney who conducted an independent review of the foundation's operations and internal structure, the Times reports.
David N. Ventker, an Operation Smile board member, stated in a company newsletter that the review revealed "isolated instances of inadequately documented expenditures and other record-keeping issues," the newspaper reports.
The New York Times published a copy of Ventker's letter, which denied the accusations.
"There is no evidence of cover-up or destruction of records," he wrote. "Indeed, the board was aware of the deaths in the field, including China, Kenya and Vietnam, which were documented by the media, but it is also clear that the board lacked an appreciation for medical issues and complications which occurred in these and other cases, and that it has not provided the oversight required."
Foundation executives have not provided further details about specific accusations and specific long-term remedies, however, and this has drawn criticism from a number of board members that resigned from the organization last year.
Operation Smile was created in 1982 by plastic surgeon William P. Magee, M.D. and his wife, Kathleen. It uses corporate donations and other support to send volunteer doctors and nurses to developing nations, where they perform operations to correct cleft palates and lips, and other facial deformities.
The nonprofit has seen a number of contributors, volunteers, physicians and other supporters distance themselves since last year's controversy, the Times reports.
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