Department of Dentistry, Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, today organized a one-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Dental Education (CDE) programme on “Comprehensive Cleft Care: A Holistic Approach Towards Cleft Lip and Palate Patients”, aimed at raising awareness and strengthening coordinated care for cleft patients.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr. S.F Hamid, graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, while Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Kaur, Principal/Dean, Government Dental College (GDC) Srinagar, attended as the Guest of Honour. Among other dignitaries present were Prof. (Dr.) Majid Jehangir, Principal/Dean GMC Baramulla (Patron); Dr. Parvaiz Masoodi, Medical Superintendent GMC Baramulla (Co-Patron); Prof. (Dr.) Shafkat Ahmed Lone, Registrar Academics and Head, Department of ENT (Co-Patron); Prof. (Dr.) H.U. Malik, President IDA; and Dr. Omer Hussain Misger, Head, Department of Dentistry.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner, accompanied by the Guest of Honour and other dignitaries, inspected various stalls established at the venue showcasing awareness materials, treatment modalities and initiatives related to comprehensive cleft care and oral health services.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the Department of Dentistry for organizing the programme and reiterated the district administration's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving healthcare outcomes.
He emphasized the importance of early identification and timely management of cleft lip and palate cases and urged the organizing team to conduct screening and awareness camps in peripheral and remote areas for wider outreach. The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the objectives of the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan and appreciated the contribution of GMC Baramulla towards rehabilitation and awareness programmes.
He particularly acknowledged the role of various departments, including the Department of Dentistry, in extending healthcare support, counselling and rehabilitation services to individuals affected by substance abuse. He further urged the organizers to conduct similar camps in far-flung areas under the Vibrant Village Programme to ensure that the benefits of such healthcare initiatives reach people residing in remote and underserved regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Kaur congratulated the Department of Dentistry for introducing comprehensive cleft care services at GMC Baramulla and emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in ensuring holistic treatment and rehabilitation of cleft patients.
Prof. (Dr.) Majid Jehangir extended his appreciation to the Department of Dentistry for successfully organizing the CME/CDE programme and for taking a significant step towards strengthening specialized healthcare services in the district. The programme was organized with the objective of creating awareness about cleft lip and palate among the general public and frontline healthcare workers.
ASHA workers and coordinators from all blocks of Baramulla district were sensitized about early identification of cleft cases, feeding techniques, door-to-door surveys, provision of psychosocial support and timely referrals for comprehensive management at GMC Baramulla.
The event witnessed participation of more than 250 delegates from different parts of the Union Territory, including Heads of Departments from Government Dental College Srinagar, SKIMS Medical College Bemina, GMC Anantnag, GMC Doda and GMC Baramulla.
Doctors from peripheral healthcare institutions, ANMs, midwives and ASHA workers from across Baramulla district also attended the programme. The participants lauded the initiative and underscored the importance of awareness, early intervention and coordinated multidisciplinary care in improving the quality of life of patients with cleft lip and palate.