Expedite appointments of new dental surgeons and address salary issues: Minister

Colombo, August 6 (Daily Mirror) - Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has directed officials to expedite the appointment of new dental surgeons and to submit a proposal to the Ministry of Finance to resolve related salary issues.

The decision was made during a discussion at the Ministry with representatives from the Government Dental Surgeons' Association (GDSA). 

The Minister also instructed officials to address the challenges faced by dental surgeons currently serving in remote or difficult areas due to delays in appointments.

Several key issues were raised during the meeting, including the urgent implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, deregulation of dental products by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, shortages in medical supplies and procurement processes, and matters related to the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The planning of performance reviews for dental surgeons in outpatient units and concerns over the clinical training of dental students were also discussed.

Minister Jayatissa pointed out that the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy has been delayed pending approval from the National Planning Department under the Ministry of Finance. He assured the association that the policy would be submitted to the Cabinet as soon as the necessary clearance is granted.

The Minister instructed the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena, to ensure dental professionals are represented in the National Therapy Committee.