State Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM) Ram Kumar has said that due to negligence, importance is not given to oral health which in turn plays a crucial role in developing all kinds of sickness without one’s knowledge.
He was speaking as chief guest at the commemoration of “World Oral Health Day” yesterday at a function held at the premises of the KJP Assembly Conference complex, Shillong. The programme was organised by National Oral Health Programme in collaboration with the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP). The theme for this year’s World Oral Health Day is “Be proud of your mouth because good Oral Health can help you live a longer, healthier life.”
Kumar stressed on the need to build up good habits from a very young age which will play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout one’s adult life.
He urged the students present during the programme to distance themselves from indulging into bad habits and to also pass on the message of practicing good habits in order to achieve good oral health.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo in her speech as the guest of honour stated that oral health is the least talked about aspect of a person’s overall health.
She said that in Meghalaya, consumption of betel nut is part of one’s culture and identity and therefore people tend to abuse the consumption by having it in large amount, this gradually leads to poor oral health.
Laloo suggested the people to consume betel nut with moderation so as not to hamper their oral health. She also added that young students should spread the message and awareness to protect the overall health of the community at large.
During the day, a speech on ‘Oral Health and its Significance’ was given by Dr. N Mawrie, Senior Dental Surgeon, Bhoirymbong CHC and a speech on ‘Non Communicable Disease’ was given by Dr. R R Marak, District Nodal Officer, NPCDCS. Others who spoke during the programme were Dr. M R Basaiawmoit, District Medical and Health Officer, East Khasi Hills and Dr. B Kanti, District Nodal Officer, NTCP and NOHP.
Earlier, Dr. Y Phira, Joint Director of Health Services (MI), flagged off the awareness campaign rally from the office of the Director of Health Services (DHS), Laitumkhrah and culminated at the premises of KJP Assembly Conference complex.
