Srinagar
Society of Dental Surgeons, J&K (SDSJK) has castigated the lackluster efforts of authorities and Govt. in curbing the widespread life-threatening menace in the state due to unchecked Dental Quackery and the hazardous effects of this unethical practice thereof, the spokesman in a statement said.
A spokesperson in a statement said: “In a recent report pertained to Shopian district the authorities have told that dental clinics have been one of the main cause of spread of Hepatitis B & C infection. 25 cases have been registered up to April 15 this year (three and a half months), while 38 cases of Hepatitis B and C were registered in the district in 2017. Kokernag village which too is witnessing a huge surge in hepatitis patients(38% of the population) have the history of visiting dental quacks for treatment. Such cluster cases are spread across the state.”
“The epidemic of life-threatening blood-borne disease is so worrisome that if this disastrous practice is not abolished, there shall be a huge surge in life-threatening diseases across state and presently almost all districts are engulfed unfortunately due to absence of regulation illegal Dental Clinics which has led to loss of lives and immense financial burden to the affected families especially the poor ones,” the spokesman said.
“The Dental Quacks have no mandate to behave as doctors and treat patients. They hardly follow sterilization protocols while handling innocent patients and this has been the main cause of the spread of infection from one patient to another,” he said.
Dr Imtyaz Banday, President SDSJK has stressed the government authorities and State Dental Council to wake up, exert and seal illegally running dental clinics run by quacks wherein the gullible patients in order to receive treatment acquires life-threatening diseases.
He also stated that there is an immense need to upgrade oral health sector in terms of human resource, infrastructure, and equipments.
