THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Government action to start dental units in all taluk hospitals of the state. Minister Veena George informed that administrative permission has been given to start units in five taluk hospitals in the first phase. These are in Kasaragod Bedadka, Mangalpadi, Malappuram Kondotti, Idukki Kattappana and Kollam Pathanapuram taluk hospitals.

On the 15th of last month, Kerala Kaumudi had reported that lack of dental units in 49 health centers despite the increase in dental diseases in the state is preventing diagnosis and treatment. Following this, the minister gave instructions to speed up the process of starting the unit in the taluk hospitals.

It was decided to set up a dental unit under the Aardram scheme with the posts of a dental surgeon, a dental hygienist and a dental mechanic in taluk hospitals, but the file was stuck in red tape. Due to this, the patients and those who were included in the rank list for employment in the related categories were in crisis. Oral cancer, tooth decay and gum disease are prevalent but there are not enough dental hygienists to provide accurate awareness at the grassroot level and speed up the diagnosis.

Decision is welcome

State President of Kerala State Dental Hygienist Association R Jayakrishnan and General Secretary Ajay Kumar Karivellur said that the government's decision to grant units in five places as part of setting up dental units in taluk hospitals is welcome.