kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has introduced free dental treatment services at its ward-level health centres, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of residents. The initiative was formally launched on Thursday at the Mayor’s Clinic in Chetla by Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, marking a new chapter in accessible and inclusive urban healthcare.

Addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony, the Mayor emphasised that quality healthcare is not a privilege but a right of every citizen. He stated that the civic body remains committed to delivering essential medical services at the doorstep of common people. Dental treatment, often considered expensive and out of reach for economically weaker sections, will now be available completely free of cost at selected municipal health centres. According to him, the introduction of this service is expected to benefit several lakh residents across the city.

At present, every ward under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation operates a municipal health centre where citizens receive treatment for common ailments such as fever, cold and cough. Diagnostic facilities including blood tests, X-ray, ultrasonography and ECG are also available at many of these centres. With the addition of a dedicated dental department, the range of services has expanded significantly, enhancing the scope of primary healthcare infrastructure in the city.

Sources within the civic body revealed that to implement this initiative efficiently, the municipal administration has entered into a partnership with a private dental college located in Kashipur. Under the agreement, the college authorities will provide modern dental equipment, advanced instruments and other necessary materials required for treatment. This collaboration ensures that patients visiting these centres will receive professional and technically sound dental care without bearing any financial burden.

The service will be introduced at six municipal health centres across Kolkata. Officials have indicated that the response from residents and the overall success of the programme will be carefully monitored. Based on demand and operational feasibility, there are plans to gradually expand the facility to other municipal health centres in the future.

The move is being seen as a progressive and people-centric reform in the city’s public health system. By integrating dental services into grassroots healthcare facilities, the civic administration has taken a decisive step toward comprehensive, affordable and inclusive medical care for all sections of society.