The National Oral Health Programme’s review meeting, organised by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Centre for Dental Education and Research at AIIMS, New Delhi, has commended the outstanding dental schemes of Kerala. The meeting also acknowledged the vast improvements in the dental field within the state following a review of its dental schemes- including Mandahasam, Punchiri, Velicham and Deeptham.
The state’s initiatives have been an admiration to other states like Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh and Union Territories Lakshadweep and Puducherry who have also considered the implementation of these oral health programmes.
Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George said that the recognition gained at the national level showcases the importance given to the dental health sector by the State.
“Efforts are underway to make Kerala a hub in the field of dental treatment," she said. The minister also spoke about the expanding dental programmes and the progress achieved till date. “A dental unit will soon come up in all taluk hospitals. Apart from labs in dental colleges, the state has established 57 acrylic labs for manufacturing teeth sets and a dental ceramic lab for permanent dentures.” According to a statement, no other state in the country has as many dental labs.
The four dental schemes promoted by the State
Mandahasam, a project implemented in collaboration with the Department of Social Justice, aims to provide artificial teeth to those above 60 years of age who fall under the BPL category, at free of cost. In the last three years, 7,012 senior citizens have opted for dentures.
Punchiri, ensures free comprehensive dental care to school children between the ages of 6 and 16. In 2023, the dental needs of 1.32 lakh school children were addressed.
Velicham scheme covers free oral cancer screening offered to tribals, senior citizens in coastal areas and migrant labourers. Under this scheme, 545 persons were diagnosed and treated for oral cancer and 4,682 persons are under treatment for pre-cancerous oral lesions.
Deeptam scheme ensures dental care to specially-abled children. In 2023, dental care was rendered to 617 beneficiaries under this scheme.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Vineesha V/MSM)