One in every two children aged five years and below suffer from tooth decay. Moreover, 99 per cent of children have had at least one dental problem, while all adults indicated that they had at least one current dental problem that required attention. Low prioritisation to implement preventive and promotive oral health programs has led to the current demand for curative services outstripping the facilities and human resource available. Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health, Susan Mochache said the strategy and policy will reverse the situation under the Universal Health Coverage Programme. She announced that the Universal Health Coverage will also cover dental treatment services. The UHC also provides beneficiaries with essential health services including ailments such as mental health, surgeries, and cancer treatment, determined to cushion poor households from the high cost of accessing dental services.

Source: The Standard