Mysuru:  The Department of Public Health Dentistry, JSS Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, had organised various activities on the occasion of World Health Day 2018. A symposium on “Universal Health Coverage: Everyone, Everywhere” was conducted.

Dr. B. Basavaraj, DHO, delivered a lecture on “Universal Health Coverage – Key to people and nation’s health and well-being.” He presented an overview of the pilot project implemented in this region on Universal Health Coverage.

Dr. B. Manjunatha, Registrar, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, stressed on the need to continue extending basic oral health services to meet the needs of society especially the poor in rural areas and urban slums.

Dr. C.V.K. Reddy, former Professor, stressed the need for private public partnership to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Dr. B.R. Chandrashekar highlighted the contributions of Dr. C.V.K. Reddy in establishing peripheral centres, pioneering of central prison project which was a prototype that eventually led to the establishment of many such centres in other parts of State.

Dr. S. Ravindra, Principal, JSS Dental College, highlighted the importance of Universal Health Coverage and requested all departments to work towards this goal. Dr. S.N. Manjunath, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, delivered a talk on “Various approaches to Universal Health Coverage.”

Dr. M.R. Dhakshaini, Vice-Principal, distributed prizes for winners of various contests. Dr. H.M. Thippeswamy, Dr. Maurya, Dr. Sushma and Dr. Poornima coordinated the event. Dr. S. Sunitha proposed a vote of thanks. The event was attended by around 120 participants that included students and interns of JSS Dental College along with representatives of various NGOs.

Besides the symposium, four free dental check-up and treatment camps were conducted at AT&S Nanjangud, Chikkarasinakere, Medar Block, Mysuru and Hosakote in collaboration with various NGOs where over 189 patients were screened and 86 were offered dental services.