Handwara: In a major step to improve dental healthcare services in North Kashmir, a new Satellite Dental Centre has been established at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara through a collaboration between the Department of Public Health Dentistry at Government Dental College & Hospital Srinagar and the Department of Dentistry at Government Medical College Handwara.
The initiative was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Dr. Sandeep Kaur Bali and Dr. Khursheed Ahmad Wani at GMC Handwara on Wednesday. Senior faculty members and officials from both institutions attended the signing ceremony.
Officials said the new centre will provide comprehensive dental care services to people in Handwara and nearby areas. It will also support community outreach programmes, preventive oral healthcare initiatives, training activities, and research projects.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bali said the centre reflects the commitment of Government Dental College Srinagar to extend quality oral healthcare services to underserved areas. Dr. Wani welcomed the collaboration and said it would strengthen dental healthcare facilities in the region while promoting academic and professional growth.
Head of the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. Aasim Farooq Shah, said the centre will help improve access to preventive, promotive, and curative dental services for residents of Handwara and surrounding areas. He added that collaboration between institutions is essential for addressing oral health challenges and improving healthcare delivery.
The newly established Satellite Dental Centre is expected to play an important role in enhancing access to quality dental treatment and improving the overall health and well-being of the local population.
