Doha, Qatar: In a significant step towards promoting community health, Karnataka Sangha Qatar, an associate organisation of the Indian Cultural Centre under the aegis of the Indian Embassy, hosted its inaugural “Dental Health Awareness Camp” on 27th September 2024. The event, themed “Wholehearted Smile for Everybody,” took place at the Vibrant Industrial Training Center in Doha, aimed at raising awareness about oral hygiene, the prevention of dental diseases, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
The camp attracted around 100 members of Karnataka Sangha Qatar, who benefitted from the valuable information and services provided. Seven esteemed doctors from Kings Dental Center, one of Doha’s leading dental health facilities, volunteered their time and expertise to ensure the success of the event. The participating dental professionals included Dr. Safeera Moideen Kutty, Dr. Raju Nagarada Jayanna, Dr. Ruqshan Anjum Mohamed Ghalib, Dr. Mithun Raveendran Malayil, Dr. Naureen S.A.P, Dr. Nebeel P.P, and Dr. Rashmi Bangera.
During the camp, participants received free dental screenings, with several being referred for further treatment based on the screenings. Feedback from attendees indicated a notable increase in awareness regarding the importance of oral hygiene and preventive care.
Dr. Raju, the lead doctor and a member of Karnataka Sangha Qatar, engaged with students from the Sangha’s Kannada class. He covered essential topics such as effective brushing techniques, flossing, and the impact of nutrition on dental health. The interactive sessions not only educated participants but also fostered a deeper understanding of maintaining good oral hygiene practices.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the Vice President of the Indian Cultural Centre, Mr. Subramanya Hebbagelu, and Advisory Committee Chairman Mr. Mahesh Gowda, along with various past presidents and committee members of the Karnataka Sangha Qatar.
A special mention goes to Mega Mart, which generously sponsored dental care kits for all registered participants, enhancing the outreach and impact of the camp.
The initiative was coordinated by Management Committee member Mrs. Bhuvana Suraj, who worked closely with fellow committee members to ensure the event ran smoothly. The conclusion of the camp included a heartfelt thanking session led by Joint Secretary Mr. L. G. Patil, who expressed gratitude towards the participating doctors.
In his presidential address, Mr. Ravi Shetty recited a Sanskrit shloka that highlighted the vital role of doctors in society, likening them to lifesavers. He also extended his thanks to the Management Committee and volunteers for their hard work and dedication.
Dr. Raju Nagarada Jayanna shared insights on how Kings Dental Center is making dental treatments more affordable for residents of Qatar, reinforcing the importance of community initiatives like this camp.
The event culminated in a vote of thanks proposed by committee member Mr. Sridhar Chandra, who acknowledged everyone’s efforts in making the Dental Health Awareness Camp a resounding success.
This camp not only provided immediate benefits to participants but also set a precedent for future health awareness initiatives within the Karnataka community in Qatar, reflecting a commitment to fostering overall community well-being.