Mangaluru: The much awaited screening of ‘Danta Bhagya’ scheme was inaugurated by MLA JR Lobo by lighting the traditional lamp at the Wenlock hospital here, on January 8.
Addressing the gathering, Lobo said that Danta Bhagya was a much needed scheme that would benefit the poor rural population. “People in the rural areas, generally have a long life expectancy and during the course of time they may lose their teeth. This scheme will help them to eat food that is nutritious and that which suits their taste,” he said.
Lobo said that the current ruling State Government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had launched many people friendly schemes. He also urged the concerned medical authorities to speed up the process of fixing the dentures.
MLC Ivan D’souza said, “The health minister, UT Khader wanted to launch this scheme as soon as possible. The current state government has given so many ‘Bhagyas’ to the people of the state.” He said that healthy living was the best thing that one could give the nation. “To maintain good health there is a need of good co-operation between the doctors and the patients,” he added.
HOD of Public Health Dentistry of Yenepoya University, Dr Ganesh Shenoy P said, “Any senior citizen (aged 60 or above) with a BPL card and in need of dentures can approach any of the hospitals. I promise you, we will fix quality dentures in just two to three sittings.” He requested the general public to enroll as many beneficiaries as possible as the state government had taken a ‘great’ step and said that the beneficiary will be taken care of with utmost dignity. The government had already released funds to cover the expenses of 100 dentures for each hospital working under this scheme.
Dr Shenoy further said, “We will organize such camps in the future at the Taluk level. The department has plans to cover other programmes like dentures for pregnant women and awareness on oral cancer.”
After the inauguration, Dr Shenoy screened Usman and Louis Goveas from Beltangady for dentures, they were the first beneficiaries under this scheme. AJ Shetty Dental College, Srinivas Dental College, AB Shetty Dental College, KMC College of Dental Sciences, KVG Dental College and Yenepoya Dental College are the six colleges dental colleges in the district have signed a MoU with the government under this scheme.
DMO Dr Rajeshwari delivered the vote of thanks. DHO Dr Ramakrishna was also present.
