Kathmandu, Rajan Thapa. A one-day free dental health camp has been successfully completed at the ward health post in Chandragiri Municipality-9 with the main message that “Care and control of oral health prevents 90 percent of diseases.” Similarly, a free dental and health camp was also conducted in parallel at Chahavel Chowk with the technical support of Om Samaj Dental Hospital and Medicare Hospital. By conducting two camps at different locations on the same day, Om Samaj Dental Hospital has done exemplary work in expanding access to health services.

There was a significant participation of the elderly, children and local residents in the camp. The camp, which saw a crowd of service recipients since the morning, provided dental examination, teeth cleaning, tooth extraction if necessary, general treatment and consultation services. Public awareness information on dental health was also provided.

People suffering from toothache for a long time and parents concerned about the health of their children had come to seek services with hope. The doctors’ service attitude and smiles seemed to be turning their hope into trust.

Many service recipients expressed their gratitude, recounting their experience of receiving such a systematic free service for the first time. The organizers have stated that more than 200 people have sought services in the camp.

Lions Club of Indra Annapurna, Tarkeshwor Club 60 and social worker Sharmila Thapa actively participated in making the program a success. Speaking at the program, Sharmila Thapa said that public confidence is increasing when such camps are conducted even in remote areas. “When the elderly happily say, ‘This hospital is good,’ that is our biggest achievement,” she said. In an emotional moment of the program, journalist and social worker Rajan Thapa announced that the entire treatment of a 68-year-old mother will be free of charge, which touched the hearts of many present.

Dr. Subash Ghimire pointed out the importance of this campaign by saying, “Prevention is the best way to prevent disease rather than treating it after it occurs.” He also announced a 20% special discount on all treatment services from the branches in Banasthali and Chapagaun Dobato on the occasion of the New Year.

Under the leadership of Haribhakta Sigdel, the head of administration at Medicare Hospital, the hospital has been providing patient-friendly services. It is said that his thinking that “service should be seen in practice, not just on paper,” has made the service system effective.

The camp organized in Chandragiri-9 was coordinated by Anjana Khadka, head of NAIKAP branch, while Santoshi KC handled the management of the Chahavel area.

According to the organizers, such free health camps are instilling hope and trust in the society by providing easy, quality treatment to citizens who are far from access to services.

When health care is combined with service, it not only heals the disease, but also the mind.