Appointment of Dental Services additional director on card
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 20 2025: As in other parts of the world, the World Oral Health Day was observed by National Oral Health Programme (NOHP), SHS, NHM Manipur at IMA Heritage Hall, Lamphelpat on Thursday.

Speaking as chief guest of the observance function held under theme "A Happy Mouth is...A Happy Mind", Health Services director Dr Chambo Gonmei announced that an additional director for Dental Services will be appointed soon to enhance the development of human resources in dental services and effectively implement dental programmes across the state.

Noting lack of awareness among the public on dental health, Dr Gonmei cautioned that similar to other body parts, oral health requires proper care.

Appointment of Dental Services additional director on card

Along with disclosing that over 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases, he reminded the public on role of dentists in addressing the health issue.

The director also said that maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, as a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body.

Dr Chambo also shared that out of 16 district hospitals in the state, 15 have dental facilities with dental care services also available in four sub-divisional hospitals, 17 out of 25 CHCs, 20 out of 93 PHCs, and one out of 12 UPHCs.

He further mentioned that two dental colleges in the state are operating effectively.

Under the National Oral Health Programme (NOHP), human resource training has been provided to 57 dental units across the state, in addition to the two dental colleges.

These dental units will be upgraded to digital IOPA, with the necessary infrastructure to be in place by May 2025, he announced.

Dr Chambo further mentioned that efforts are underway to recruit 53 dental assistants for the 57 dental units across the state.

With the implementation of the Manipur Health Services Dental Rule 2024, the development of dental services in the state will eventually progress, he maintained, and announced that positions for an additional director, joint director and deputy director of Dental Services in the Health Directorate will be filled soon, besides 50 vacancies in dental services.

According to the health director, the recruitment process for 19 dental surgeons is currently underway and will be completed once a new government is formed in the state.

He assured that efforts would be made to ensure the Manipur State Dental Council (MSDC) becomes fully functional at the soonest possible.

Presided over by Family Welfare Services director Dr N Hemantakumar, the function was also attended by Health Services (MD) additional director Dr N Bino Singh as guest of honour.

As a part of the observance, cash awards were presented to the best-performing dental units in the DH, CHC/SDH, and PHC/UPHC .