Taking a big step forward, the health Department in Punjab today announced to provide free of cost dental implants to the poor and needy in the state. Announcing this, Brahm Mohindra, Health, Family welfare and medical education Minister Punjab said that the decision would prove a milestone for the people of Punjab. Mohindra was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 2nd Punjab national dental conference organized by the Punjab Civil Medical Services Dental Association. He also announced 40 new dental chairs, 80 Dental X Ray machines, 100 Autoclaves for the Public Health Care Establishments in Punjab costing Rs. 3.5 Crores. On the occasion, the minister said that the 2 dental fortnights will be held from 1st to 15th November and 1st to 15th February costing 80 Lacs in which more than 5500 dentures would be given free to the people of Punjab.While delivering his inaugural speech at the conference Sh Brahm Mohindra said that this is a path-breaking endeavor that such a mega event has been conceptualized and organized in the state of Punjab. Punjab Civil Medical Services (Dental) cadre is a forward thinking, enthusiast and hard working guild of dental surgeons.Sh. Mohindra further said that Oral health services in the state of Punjab are one of the best in our country. Where many states are struggling to provide basic dental care at district level, Punjab is one state where even the Primary Health Centres are well equipped with dental health manpower as well as state of the art dental equipment.
With the untiring efforts of the 300 strong cadre of medical officers (dental), various national programs like the National Oral Health program, National Tobacco Control program, National Fluorosis Control program and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram have been effectively implemented in the state.The World Oral Health day, No Tobacco Day celebrations, Anti Tobacco drives, Cancer awareness programs, School dental health programs and Free dental health check up camps have regularly been organized in the state in the past as well. Oral Cancer screening and appropriate treatment for patients suspected with oral cancer, free Ante Natal dental health check up for pregnant women, Free dental treatment for children aged under 18 years, all these facilities are being provided at the 302 functional dental OPD’s in the state of Punjab.Organizing Chairperson of the conference Dr RS Mann, who is also the President of Punjab Civil Medical Services (Dental) Association, said that the Punjab Civil Medical Services (Dental) Association is committed to the cause of providing most modern and superlative oral health care services to the public of Punjab and expressed his keen intent that such events will be regularly organized by the Cadre in the future as well. Director Health Services Dr Rajeev Bhalla, Director ESI Dr Rajesh Sharma were also present on the occasion.