JAMMU, FEBRUARY 12: The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address the employment concerns of dentists and expand job opportunities in government and allied sectors. She made these remarks during the Annual Day celebrations at the Indira Gandhi Government Dental College , Jammu.
During her address, the Minister emphasised the vital role of medical education in society and the significant contribution of dental professionals to public health. “Medicine is a noble profession as it directly impacts the welfare of society,” she stated, stressing that medical professionals play a crucial role in shaping the well-being of communities.
Itoo further acknowledged the rapid advancements in medical and dental technologies, urging professionals to continually upgrade their skills to stay current with these developments. “The medical and dental fields are constantly evolving, and incorporating new technologies is essential to enhance patient care,” she noted.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a structured policy to address the employment concerns of dentists and increase job prospects in both government and allied sectors. She commended the academic and clinical excellence of IGGDC and encouraged students to pursue their education with dedication, emphasising the importance of serving society with compassion. She also praised the institution’s contributions to research and innovation in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Parveen Akhter Lone, Principal and Dean of IGGDC, welcomed the Minister and presented a comprehensive report on the college’s achievements throughout the academic year. The report highlighted significant milestones and academic programs that have contributed to both the academic and extracurricular development of the students. Dr. Lone also urged the Minister to intervene in the introduction of a postgraduate course at the college, while appreciating the government’s support in implementing a written test for registrar positions to ensure a fair faculty selection process.
On the occasion, the Minister felicitated the college alumni who are making a significant impact in various government departments and honoured the meritorious students from different batches. She also launched the first edition of the college magazine, ‘UMEED,’ which provides students with a platform to express their ideas and creativity.
As part of her visit, the Minister inaugurated the Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography at the hospital, marking a significant technological upgrade. She later toured the hospital to assess the functioning of the dental services, interacting with patients and gathering feedback on the quality of services being provided.