New Delhi: Dental implants industry is zeroing in on Ayushman Bharat. Sources in PM Modi government are saying that integrating dental implants into this govt funded free health insurance is under active consideration. If it happens, it will be Eureka for all 70 and above year olds. 5 lakh rupees is enough to get them new set of teeth. It will also be dental industry laughing all the way to bank as it has come of age in India.
For now, dental implants are not covered by central government funded globally the largest health insurance for low income strata of society. Integration of dental implant will be a godsend for seniors of India as dental implants will give them ‘new set of teeth’ to gorge on foods they cannot eat. It will also be a shot in the arm for Dental Implant Industry in India.
Dental implant industry in the leadership of Prof (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, former Principal of Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences and currently Vice Chancellor of Guru Govind Singh Indraprastha University is trying to pull this off. According to Dr Verma, the central government has in principle almost accepted this proposal.
The seed of this proposal was sown during 3 day mega International Conference under the joint aegis of Global American Academy of Implant Dentistry (GAAID) and World Congress for Oral Implantology (WCOI), Japan) in November last year. This conference proved pregnant with good news for people who have lost their teeth and dental implant industry. The conference also asserted that Dentistry in India is all set to become global hub of dental care excellence. The event came off a big draw as it brought together leaders, policymakers and experts in implant dentistry and oral healthcare.
Prof (Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Chairman of the Conference, in his welcome address said that the change in dental care has been fast paced. The emphasis is on precision, efficiency and predictable outcomes. He further added that this conference is the confluence of pioneering spirit of the west and innovative spirit of the east.
Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa and Former CEO of NITI Aayog, who is playing most crucial role in framing healthcare policies of central government, said, ‘it’s great to see how doctors are offering improved aesthetic and functional solutions to patients. It is important to ensure that the dental care is affordable and accessible to all’. He also said that there is a significant scope for expansion of policies in the area of dental health and stressed on innovative research required in the field to find new solutions.
Anurag Singh Thakur, Member of Parliament and Former Union Minister, said that India is taking a leap in improving mental and physical health. He added that medical facilities across the country are expanding, increasing accessibility of healthcare facilities.
Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, recently taking up the position of Secretary Health, Government of India, underscored the government’s dedication to promoting healthcare advancements including dental care. She added that it is imperative to prioritize oral health initiatives for improving overall health of the country..
Dr. Shankar Iyer, Chief Patron and President of the 6th GAAID & Past President of AAID, in his address emphasized on the global progress in implant dentistry. He said India is making a mark on the global front with more than 80% of Indian experts sharing their knowledge with the international participants of the Conference.
