DT News - Pakistan - Dental screening of 6,401 inmates at Lahore Camp Jail

Dental screening of 6,401 inmates at Lahore Camp Jail

Dental Tribune Pakistan

Tue. 23 July 2024

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LAHORE: In an unprecedented initiative, the Punjab Health Department's first-ever mobile dental team has successfully conducted comprehensive dental screenings for all 6,401 under-trial prisoners at the 94-year-old Camp Jail in Lahore over 12 days.

This effort, led by Inspector General Prisons Punjab Mian Farooq Nazeer and facilitated by Camp Jail Senior Superintendent Zaheer Ahmad Virk, is part of a broader health program aimed at enhancing the well-being of prisoners.

Recognizing dental health as integral to overall health, the initiative addressed various dental issues, from cavities to more serious conditions requiring immediate attention.

Camp Jail, known for its historical significance and aging infrastructure, poses unique challenges in delivering adequate healthcare to inmates. The deployment of the mobile dental unit underscores the Inspector General's commitment to overcoming these challenges and ensuring that even vulnerable populations have access to essential health services.

Equipped with modern tools and diagnostic equipment, the dental team provided thorough assessments for each prisoner. The initiative not only tackled immediate dental concerns but also aimed to educate prisoners on maintaining oral hygiene to prevent future issues.

The success of this program highlights the importance of mobile health services in reaching under-served communities and sets a precedent for similar initiatives in other correctional facilities.

Meanwhile, Lahore Range DIG Naveed Rauf Langrial recently visited the prison to monitor the progress of the dental screenings and expressed satisfaction with the initiative.

He said that a team comprising Deputy Superintendents Jail Kamran Maqbool, Muhammad Afzal Wattoo, and Mohsin Ali was deployed to the dental camp daily in rotation, ensuring continuous oversight.