KARACHI, Feb 27: Sindh Health Minister Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani stressed the need for massive public awareness to prevent dental diseases and improve oral hygiene. He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the 28th Asia Pacific Dental Congress here on Sunday night. The minister suggested the local professional bodies including the Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) to organize events on the pattern of the Asia Pacific Dental Congress (APDC) in order to sensitize the masses in a subtle manner.

He said that organizing such events at regular intervals could definitely make a difference.

The health minister lauded the organizers of the 28th APDC for holding such an event, with more than 500 experts from both the developed and the developing countries besides 3,000 from across the country.

“They have earned laurels for the country which must be appreciated”, he said.

In this context, the minister said that the reputation of Karachi as a peaceful city had been strengthened.

On the occasion, he presented shields to the members of the APDC organizing committee. Sindh Health Secretary Prof Naushad A. Shaikh also spoke.—APP