Oral health an overlooked aspect of healthcare, but it plays a critical role in preventing systemic diseases: Sakeena Itoo

SRINAGAR : Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated four days ‘Oral Health Awareness Programme – Bright Smiles, Healthy Lives’ at Government Dental College (GDC) here today.
The event, organised by 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 general well-being of an individual.
Speaking during 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 development of medical infrastructure across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir. She added that dialysis facilities have been established at all SDHs, besides MRI, CT scan and other advanced medical facilities have been established in various GMCs and hospitals to provide best and quality medical care services to people.
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 about dental health care and wellbeing associated with it.
Commending the medical fraternity for significant improvements in healthcare system, the Minister said that being a doctor is not only about wearing white apron and stethoscope around neck, but remaining committed to the welfare of common masses with the motto of ‘Equal Treatment for All’.
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.
The Principal also gave a brief about the services being provided at the Dental college and other achievements.
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.