KARACHI, March 21: The Sindh Chief Secretary, K. B. Rind, has said that education and health departments are considering adopting a joint strategy to introduce dental health care under the school health service.

In this regard, steps are being taken for obtaining funds while progress is being made to make this programme more functional with the cooperation and participation of district governments, he said while talking to a delegation here on Friday.

The delegation informed that various diseases are caused because of lacking dental care.

The chief secretary was informed that under the dental health centre and in cooperation with various social organizations, free medical checkups are carried out, with free supply of tooth brush and paste at the school level. He was informed that monthly check-up of children is done regularly every month. In this regard, a free medical camp is being organised at Gulshan Market, Korangi, on March 30.

They suggested the chief secretary to initiate steps for establishment of dental colleges, house job and employment for dental medical graduates and inclusion of dental care courses in the curriculum from primary to university level.

The delegation informed that some 85 per cent people of various ages are suffering from dental problems and, as such, it had become inevitable to take steps at the government level to save the people from its harmful effects.The chief secretary assured that an appropriate strategy will be adopted.—APP