AIIMS, Health Ministry launch mobile app for oral health info

NEW DELHI: With a stern focus on dental and oral hygiene, All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Monday launched a mobile application to create awareness about oral related issues among the people. A website based mobile application named ‘edantseva’ has been launched, and contains information about the National Oral Health Programme, a detailed list of all the dental facility and colleges, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material and a feature called the “Symptom Checker”. Interestingly, the application will also provide GPRS route and satellite images of the facilities for easier access to the people.

The app that was launched by AIIMS in collaboration with Union Health Ministry, also saw Health Minister Harsh Vardhan rooting for the digital platform.

Speaking about the application he said, “The digital platform will provide oral health information gathered from authentic scientific resources and connect the people to timely advise for managing any dental emergency or oral health problem.” Meanwhile, the digital platform is said to reach more than one billion people that will be just a click away.

On the occasion, Vardhan also said that oral hygiene is important for life and its welfare. “Inadequate and poor oral health brings a person’s success down,” he added. According to reports, India is largely affected by dental related issues and oral cancer. According to ministry of health and family welfare, while dental caries affects about 60 percent and periodontal disease about 85% of the population, India is considered the world capital for oral cancer.

Speaking on the same issue, Vardhan said India is facing a major health crisis when it comes to cavity and oral health. “Oral health is indispensable for the well being and good quality of life,” he added. Vardhan also released a Braille booklet and voice-over on oral health education for visually impaired.