Karachi: The Governor of Sindh inaugurated the 12th International and 32nd National Dental Congress at the Expo Centre, Karachi is being jointly organized by Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) Sindh and Karachi in collaboration with the Dental Trade & Manufacturers Association (DTMA). Commenting on the theme of “Multi-disciplinary Approach in Dentistry” the governor said that it is need of the hour as it will play a pivotal role in the overall health delivery system in Pakistan. He admired the growth of educational institutions and said that this will help the youth realize their dream of becoming a health professional. He appreciated the efforts of PDA and promised to look into the issues raised to give the profession a much needed boost. Earlier the proceedings started with the National Anthem followed by verses from the Holy Quran. Dr Asif Arain in his welcome address appreciated the efforts of the organizers and said that this is is a sign of maturity in the profession where general practitioners and academicians are coming on a single platform to forge ahead the Continuous Dental Education initiative for the entire dental fraternity. Dr Saqib said that Pakistan dental Association is the only representative body of the dental fraternity and is working towards introducing health insurance and soft loans for the professionals. Dr Mahmood Shah in his address highlighted the dentists patient ratio in the Sindh which stands at 1:100000 while in Karachi it is 1: 5000. He urged the Governor to look into the matter of dental health services and address the non-availability of qualified dental surgeons in BHU and Taluka hospitals. The ghost employee phenomenon is also a cause for concern and asked the government to allot a land to start PDA housing society. He also demanded that PDA Sindh be given representation in SMDC. Dr Navid Rashid highlighted the efforts of the volunteers and urgeg the Governor to look into the menace of quackery and announce minimum wage for the dental auxiliaries. Dr Ali Farhan the congress secretary delivered his vote of thanks thanked the Chief Guest Dr Ishrat ul Ibad the governor of Sindh for taking out time to come and grace the occasion and also thanked all the sponsors, delegates and participants. He specifically thanked the Dental Trade & Manufacturers Association for their wholehearted support to the event and mentioned Colgate and GSK for their valuable contribution. He also thanked the media partners namely Dental News and Express group. In the end life time achievement award was presented to Dr Mahmood Shah and Dr Feroz Jahangir was given man of the congress 2015. The stage was managed by Dr Talha who did an excellent job as always.
