The Chairperson of the Osun State Chapter of the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA), Dr Oluyemi Ogudun, on Wednesday charged the state governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola to facilitate one dental clinic in each local government of the state to bring people at the grass-root closer to health care provisions made by the government.
She also commended the state governor for making the health sector an improved one, day by day.
Dr Ogundu who made the charge when the association paid the state deputy governor, Mr Benedict Alabi a courtesy call in his office at the state Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo, also implored the state government to employ more oral health professional for the benefit of the general populace, charging the government to take the advocacy of Oral Health in the interest of the citizens.
The Chairperson who called on the populace to be responsible for their oral health for a healthy life advised them to stick to oral hygiene through visiting the dentist regularly for a thorough checkup.
According to her, “The World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is a day targeted at individuals, schools, youth groups, young adults, senior citizens, market women, artisans and for oral health professionals to educate the population they serve.
“More importantly, it is an opportunity to do advocacy to the governments and policy-makers to champion better oral health. As an association, we have embarked on various activities both virtual and on-ground to remind the people and stakeholders of oral health within the state, the importance of oral health, especially during this pandemic era.\
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She, however, commended Governor Oyetola for taking his subject health as a priority affirming that, the state is witnessing a new dimension in her health sector since the inception of his administration.
Ogundu stressed that the efforts of the Governor through the Primary Health Care Board for the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare facilities across the state is commendable.
On the World Oral Health Day (WOHD), the chairperson remarked that it is a day targeted at individuals, schools, youth groups, young adults, senior citizens, market women, artisans and for oral health professionals to educate the population they serve.
“More importantly, it is an opportunity to do advocacy to the governments and policy-makers to champion better oral health. As an association, we have embarked on various activities both virtual and on-ground to remind the people and stakeholders of oral health within the state, the importance of oral health, especially during this pandemic era.
“Dental Health Professionals remind you to adopt healthy oral and general hygiene practices, stop detrimental practices and stay safe as we have fun celebrating 2021 World Oral Health Day.”
In his response, the state Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi reiterated the commitment of the present administration in all ramification and promised that the Osun government will always support the association whenever the needs arise.
Similarly, the Commissioner For Health, Dr Isamotu Rafiu said the present administration has continued to provide a more enabling work environment for the oral health professionals in the state through the upgrade of the existing oral health equipment employment of more health practitioners.
Rafiu further said that the investment in oral health will yield dividends of good general health, a healthy workforce for wealthier state and nation.
“We have been able to carry out these activities with strict adherence to the safety protocols and guidelines to prevent COVID-19 transmission. as laid down by the Government such as social distancing, use of face masks, hand hygiene etc.
“With the aid of virtual/digital tools, we will have modifications and utilize maximally, the social media and traditional media to reach numerous individuals,” Isamotu said.
World Oral Health Day: Nigerian Dental Association commends Oyetola for improving health sector
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