Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jan 8: The Karnataka government's 'Danta Bhagya' scheme, aimed at distributing free dentures to senior citizens with complete tooth loss, was inaugurated at Wenlock hospital on Friday January 8.

Mangaluru south MLA J R Lobo formally inaugurated the scheme by lighting the lamp.

Addressing the gathering Lobo said, "This scheme of distributing free dentures to senior citizens who are above 60 years and are BPL card holders is a good one. Ever since our government has come to power we have introduced many schemes related to health and to help economically backward people. This scheme will gain popularity in city areas, but there is a need to create awareness among the rural people so that more number of people are benefited by this scheme. I urge doctors to treat patients as soon as possible and try to reduce the number of sittings."

MLC Ivan D'Souza said, "Siddaramaiah-led government has introduced many Bhagyas since it has come to power, mostly in the field of health and medicine. Health is very important. Healthy citizens are the wealth of the nation. The aim of our government is to ensure optimum health of all citizens. Efforts from doctors alone is not enough, even people have to take care of their health. We have best doctors in our state, and their service is appreciable."

Dr Ganesh Shenoy, principal of Yenopoya Dental College said, "Senior citizens can avail the benefit of this scheme in 6 dental hospitals across the district. The government has already paid for 100 dentures. I request the beneficiaries to avail the benefit of this scheme. I assure that the patients will be treated within 2 to 3 sittings."

Dr Lavina, RMO and nodal officer of Danta Bhagya, Rajeshwari Devi, DMO of Wenlock hospital, Ramakrishna Rao, DHO and others were present.