Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 18: A delegation of Indian Dental Association (IDA), Jammu led by its president Dr Gautam Sharma, today met Bali Bhagat, Minister for Health and Medical Education and appraised him of the problems being faced by the dental fraternity of Jammu.
Dr Bhupinder Singh, secretary of IDA, informed the Minister that J&K State Dental Council (JKSDC) is not following the laws, regulation and rules passed by the Government.
He said, “The J&K Government SRO 116 of 16th April, 2004 clearly mentioned that the office of JKSDC shall be at the same place where the headquarters of the Government are located. But since the inception of Council, which dates back to more than 20 years, the office remains at Srinagar even during the winters when the headquarters of Government are at Jammu”.
Dr Rajiv Mengi demanded that the Registrar of the Council must move with the office so that the dentists of Jammu province do not suffer and they don’t have to run to Srinagar for their petty works pending with the Council.
Dr Sarang and Dr Vasit Khajuria said that Council should be provided a permanent office at IG Government Dental College, Jammu, in the same manner as has been provided in Government Dental College, Srinagar.
Dr Aayush, Dr Niharika and Dr Adeel demanded Government jobs for the unemployed dental surgeons as Government jobs have not been created since many years and unemployment is rising amongst dentists.
Dr Kunal Vuthoo urged the minister to modify the selection criteria and accommodate the overage dental surgeons in the Government jobs who have not applied for the same even for single time.
The Minister assured the delegation that the J&K State Dental Council office will be immediately provided accommodation and shifted to Jammu. He also said that posts of dental surgeons will be advertised in coming days.