In a significant move to strengthen maternal healthcare services across Haryana, Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao has directed all government health centres in the state to provide free oral health screening for pregnant women. As part of this initiative, oral (dental) health screening has been made mandatory for every pregnant woman visiting government health facilities on Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) and e-PMSMA days.
The Health Minister said that the initiative, titled 'Muskaan se Matritva tak', aims to ensure the early detection and timely treatment of dental and gum-related problems during pregnancy, thereby improving the health outcomes of both mothers and newborns. She appealed to all pregnant women and their families to actively participate in the initiative so that every mother and child can enjoy a healthier and safer future.
Describing the initiative as a historic decision by the state government, Ms. Rao said that pregnancy brings about several hormonal and physiological changes, significantly increasing the risk of oral health issues such as gingivitis and tooth decay. She said that neglecting oral health during pregnancy may lead to serious complications, including preterm birth and low birth weight.
Regular oral health screening enables early identification of such conditions, allowing timely treatment and appropriate counselling. She urged all expectant mothers to avail themselves of the free oral health screening services available at government health centres on the 9th, 10th, 23rd, and the last working day of every month.
Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Dr. R. S. Dhillon said that under the initiative, all pregnant women attending antenatal clinics will undergo basic oral health screening by trained healthcare personnel. Women requiring specialised dental care will be referred to the nearest government dental facility for further examination and treatment.
Dr. Dhillon further said that detailed instructions have already been issued to all Civil Surgeons across the state to ensure effective coordination between antenatal care teams and dental care teams, enabling seamless delivery of services to beneficiaries. In addition to screening, healthcare workers will counsel pregnant women on maintaining good oral hygiene, proper brushing techniques, the importance of a nutritious diet, and the need for timely dental treatment during pregnancy.
He also clarified that routine dental examinations and necessary dental treatment are completely safe during pregnancy when carried out under professional medical supervision.