Sakeena Itoo inaugurates Oral Health Awareness Programme at GDC Srinagar
Srinagar, Sep 15: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, inaugurated four four-day ‘Oral Health Awareness Programme – Bright Smiles, Happy Lives’ at Government Dental College (GDC) here today.
The event, organised by the Department of Public Health Dentistry of GDC Srinagar, aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene, preventive dental care and the overall impact of oral health on the general well-being of an individual.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the event, the Health Minister highlighted that oral health is often an overlooked aspect of healthcare, yet it plays a critical role in preventing systemic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular ailments and respiratory infections. “Oral health is not just about a bright smile; it is integral to the overall health of every citizen,” Minister Sakeena stated. The Health Minister added that in recent years oral hygiene practices and dental check-ups have emerged as an essential routine for people, especially the young generation. She urged the public to adopt regular oral hygiene practices and make dental check-ups an essential part of their healthcare routine.
The Minister further said that the present Omar Abdullah-led government is giving major thrust for the development of medical infrastructure across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir. Minister Sakeena, in her address, also called upon the administration of GDC Srinagar to carry awareness regarding Oral Health and Hygiene in rural and far-flung areas by organising camps, so that the people in these areas are made aware of dental health care and wellbeing associated with it.
In her welcome address, Principal of GDC Srinagar, Dr. Sandeep Kour Bali highlighted that the programme is designed to reach out not only to students and healthcare professionals but also to the general public. She added that the goal of this programme is to bridge the knowledge gap regarding oral diseases, their prevention and treatment options.
On the sidelines of the event, Minister Sakeena also flagged off Dental Awareness Rally, aimed to hold interactive sessions, live demonstrations of correct brushing techniques, awareness workshops, and distribution of informative literature on oral hygiene best practices to the general public.
Later, the Health Minister also inaugurated Mutli Disciplinary Research Unit (MDRU) at the Central Library of the GDC Srinagar.
