SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today held a detailed discussion with Dr. V.K. Paul, Member NITI Aayog, on the measures required to enhance accessibility and availability of dental health services across the districts of J&K.
The meeting was coordinated by the Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah. Others who were present include Principals of Dental Colleges in J&K along with other concerned officers.
During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary highlighted the pressing challenges in the dental health sector, including the non-availability of services at New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs), shortage of essential equipment, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of dental specialists. He emphasized that the high burden of oral diseases in J&K often leads to excessive tertiary referrals, creating stress on higher institutions.
Dr. V.K. Paul appreciated the efforts of the UT Government and assured NITI Aayog’s support in evolving a comprehensive plan to modernise and strengthen oral healthcare delivery.
The meeting discussed a multi-pronged strategy to expand services, including enhancing staffing across all levels of healthcare facilities and deployment of mobile dental units in remote and underserved areas.
The meeting also deliberated upon the establishment of dental clinics in far-flung areas through Public-Private Partnerships, promotion of tele-consultation and tele-dentistry for pre-operative care, post-operative follow-up, emergency triage, and management of chronic conditions.
It also encompassed strengthening community-level programs such as school oral health initiatives, awareness drives on oral hygiene and tobacco cessation, and integration of dental checkups with general health camps, besides encouraging home-based services and fostering partnerships with professional bodies.
The Chief Secretary underlined that the adoption of innovative models like tele-dentistry would greatly reduce patient travel burden, ensure timely expert advice, and help in patient education, especially in hilly and border areas.
Policy and funding recommendations were also deliberated upon, with a focus on creating specialised institutions for dental education in remote areas, bridging skill gaps, and ensuring long-term sustainability of oral health initiatives.
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to work towards a robust, patient-friendly, and equitable dental health ecosystem in J&K.
