Bali Bhagat inaugurates 12th State Level Dental Conference-2017

Says Govt endeavouring to create adequate posts of medicos to meet increased patient flow

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 23 – Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat formally inaugurated the 12^th J&K State Dental Conference at Nageen Club here today. The 4-day Conference (22^nd to 24^th Sept) has been organized by the Indian Dental Association (IDA), J&K State Branch on the theme “Emerging Challenges & Newer Solutions”.

The aim and objective of the conference is to enrich and update the knowledge of State dentists with the innovative advancements in the field of dentistry. The theme chosen is forward looking perspective and assumes great significance in the backdrop of worldwide phenomenon of emerging diseases to be discussed in the debate by the Dental Luminaries with diverse ideas.

More than 350 delegates from Jammu and Kashmir and other neighbouring States including Punjab and Delhi are participating in the Conference and sharing their ideas in the latest innovations. The senior faculties will deliver their lectures and enlighten their junior fellows in the respective field.

Speaking on the occasion, Bali Bhagat said that such conferences provide great opportunities to the budding doctors to learn new techniques in the medical sciences from their seniors. He stressed the need for organizing such informative events frequently to keep the doctors abreast in their field, which can ultimately lead to the betterment of healthcare. He congratulated the Organizing Committee of the IDA for organizing such a big event and said that the conference shall prove quite fruitful for the medical academicians and all other stakeholders of the State.

Bhagat said that State Government is committed to upgrade the overall health infrastructure to enlarge the facilities for the patients at their doorsteps in view of huge flow of patients rush  is witnessed in health institutions over the years. He said new hospitals buildings were constructed in the newly carved districts with the signboards of District hospitals, but creation part remained unattended, with the result the existing staff is facing lot of hardships in catering to the flow of patients. He said present Government is focusing on creation of adequate number of posts of doctors/para-medics as per the actual requirements in the health institutions to ensure overall improvement in the patient care.

Referring to the enhancement of PG seats in the Government Dental College, Srinagar, Minister said that government is seriously considering this proposal as also starting PG courses in Jammu Dental College soon. He said necessary formalities are being completed and after that the Union Government will be approached for granting approval to the enhancement in the intake capacity in both the institutions. He also said that Government is keen to promote private sector, especially in Dental care to supplement government endeavour in providing best facilities to the patients.

Expressing happiness over the recently concluded elections of State Medical Council, the Minister said the Government revived this important body after many years, and hoped that the mechanism shall help in ensuring transparency in the dental sector and addressing the issues of dentists expeditiously. He called upon the doctors to work with added zeal and dedication and serve the patients with missionary spirit. He assured all possible steps to improve the working conditions in the health institutions for the professionals in view of the changing scenario.

On the occasion, the Minister also released a Souvenir-2017 published by the IDA highlighting its activities.

Earlier, Chairman Organizing Committee and Principal Government Dental College, Prof. Riyaz Farooq in his welcome address highlighted the significance of the Conference and said that the event will go a long way in helping combating bottlenecks in expanding the knowledge of researchers, scientists and healthcare professionals in the State, which will lead to the betterment of dental healthcare in the state. He acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the Organizing Committee of IDA for organizing such a graceful event and said that it will surely trigger sharing and exchanging of innovative ideas though deliberations and discussions.

President, IDA, Dr. Abdul Latief Mattoo in his brief address expressed his gratitude to the Minister and all participants for gracing the occasion. He highlighted the achievements of the IDA and said that it will continue to work hard for the cause of the entire dental fraternity in the State to ensure better working environment in this important sector. He conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the Minister for his personal interest in conducting the elections of State Medical Council after more than three decades.

Dr. Rouf Jeelani, Organizing Secretary, IDA, presented vote of thanks and said that the event will prove quite useful, especially for the young doctors who will be able to learn a lot from their seniors in the latest developments.

Prominent among those present included, Principal Government Indira Gandhi Dental College, Dr. Romesh Singh, State Secretary, IDA, Dr. Javid Iqbal Qanungo, President-elect, IDA-2018, Dr. Farooq Ahmed Lone, other functionaries of the IDA including, Dr. A.M. Naqash, Dr. Aijaz Malik, Dr. Hilal Ahmed Joo, Dr. Fayaz A.Ahangar, Dr. Shabir A Shah, Dr. Abid Malik, Dr. Nusrat Malik, Dr. Nowshabah and Dr. Mudasir Khan.