Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, marked a significant milestone in dental healthcare by inaugurating the new headquarters of the National Dental Commission (NDC). He also laid the foundation stones for three Nursing Colleges in Andhra Pradesh and one in Jammu and Kashmir through a virtual ceremony held today.
During the event, Dr. Mandaviya presided over the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Dental Council of India and the Quality Council of India for the assessment and rating of undergraduate dental colleges. Additionally, he launched the National Dental Register under the National Health Digital Mission.
Joined virtually by Dr. Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, and Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the establishment of the Dental Commission represents a new era in dental education and administration. He stated that the Dental Commission Act aims to make dental education more practical, affordable, transparent, and provide patients with accessible and quality treatment.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the importance of creating awareness about oral hygiene, tapping into opportunities in the dental domain for the benefit of the nation. He commended the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognizing the proactive approach to health that has brought about significant changes to enhance the accessibility and availability of healthcare services.
Speaking about the National Dental Register (NDR) created under One Nation One Register, Dr. Mandaviya mentioned that it would provide a transparent means for people to obtain the identity and qualification details of dentists practicing in India. The NDR, with Unique Identification (DCI ID), will verify dentists through State Dental Councils, aiding citizens in identifying verified dental professionals.
Addressing the government's commitment to strengthen the nursing workforce and reduce healthcare disparities, Dr. Mandaviya shared that the ceremony is part of the government's scheme to establish 157 new nursing colleges co-located with existing medical colleges. He emphasized that advancements in health and medical infrastructure would provide quality and affordable healthcare, benefiting the nation.
Highlighting the increasing demand for trained Indian nurses abroad, Dr. Mandaviya informed about the incorporation of foreign language courses in medical education institutes. He cited the example of Japanese language courses initiated in two nursing colleges in Assam, providing additional advantages to students seeking opportunities abroad.
The event witnessed the attendance of Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Vipul Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with senior government officials, dignitaries, and representatives from various medical and dental institutions across the country.