Budgam, May 19: A new Satellite Dental Health Centre was inaugurated at PHC Khaag in Budgam district on Monday to strengthen oral healthcare services in rural areas. The initiative has been launched by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital (GDCH) Srinagar, in collaboration with the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar.
The centre was inaugurated by Advocate Saif Ud Din Bhat, MLA Khansahib, who said that such healthcare facilities are important for providing better medical services to people living in far-flung areas. He interacted with the first patients and appreciated the joint efforts of both departments in improving healthcare access.
Principal/Dean of GDC Srinagar, Prof. (Dr) Sandeep Kaur Bali, Head of Department Community Medicine GMC Srinagar, Prof. (Dr) S Saleem Khan, and Head of Public Health Dentistry GDC Srinagar, Dr Aasim Farooq Shah, were also present on the occasion. They said the new centre will provide preventive dental care, routine check-ups, emergency dental services, and awareness programmes on oral hygiene for the local population of around 52,000 people in the Khaag area.
Officials said the centre will offer routine and emergency dental consultations, fluoride applications, oral health education, school outreach programmes, and community screening camps. Patients needing advanced treatment will be referred to GDCH Srinagar.
BMO PHC Khaag Dr Mohammad Ashraf Wani and Dental Surgeon Dr Anjum also attended the event and highlighted the importance of improving oral healthcare in underserved areas.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Saif Ud Din Bhat said Public Health Dentistry plays an important role in disease prevention, awareness, and affordable healthcare. He added that the Khaag Satellite Centre will help bring quality dental services closer to the people and strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure in the district.
The programme concluded with officials reaffirming their commitment to expanding similar healthcare facilities in other underserved areas of Budgam district.
