Taking a big step forward, Punjab Health Department on Sunday announced to provide free of cost dental implants to the poor and needy in the state.

Announcing this, State Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Minister Brahm Mohindra said the decision would prove a milestone for the people of Punjab.

Mohindra, speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the second Punjab National Dental Conference organised by the Punjab Civil Medical Services Dental Association, also announced 40 new dental chairs, 80 dental X-ray machines, 100 autoclaves for the public health care establishments costing Rs 3.5 crores.

The Minister said two dental fortnights will be held from November 1 to 15 and from February 1 to 15 costing Rs 80 lakhs wherein more than 5,500 dentures would be given free to the people of Punjab.

Delivering his inaugural speech at the conference, Mohindra said this was a path-breaking endeavour that such a mega event had been conceptualised and organised in the state of Punjab.

Mohindra said oral health services in the State were one of the best in our country. “Where many States are struggling to provide basic dental care at the district level, Punjab is one State where even the Primary Health Centres are well equipped with dental health manpower as well as state-of-the-art dental equipment,” he said.

 “With the untiring efforts of 300 strong cadre of medical officers (dental), various national programs like the National Oral Health Program, National Tobacco Control Program, National Fluorosis Control Program and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram have been effectively implemented in the state,” he said.