Senegal/Bignona: free dental check-ups offered to the population
The Mutuelle de santé des agents de l'État (MSAE) organized free oral health consultations in Bignona on Thursday, to mark World Oral Health Day.
The day was also marked by the inauguration of a new dental surgery in Bignona.
"The Mutuelle de santé des agents de l'Etat is very honored to be taking part in the celebration of World Dental Day alongside oral health professionals in the Ziguinchor region. This celebration gives us the opportunity together to raise awareness among the people of Bignona and to offer them free care as well as medicines", declared its president, Babacar Ngom.
He was speaking at the end of the opening ceremony of these consultations and that of the inauguration of the new dental surgery, in the presence of the Prefect of Bignona, Mamadou Khouma, health stakeholders and territorial authorities.
He reported that hundreds of Bignona residents benefited from free consultations during the day.
"Extractions, conservative care, scaling and oral hygiene advice were provided by a team of specialists", said Mr. Ngom, pointing out that patients also received free medicines.
"Good oral health is an essential component of general well-being," said Babacar Ngom, stressing that it is vital to accompany people towards accessible care.
The mutual has strengthened its presence in the region with this eighth dental surgery, a new tool to combat oral diseases that affect nearly 80% of the population in Senegal, said the MSAE president.
According to him, "from 2022 to 2024, MSAE's eight dental surgeries received and treated a total of 33,476 patients, including 5004 members and 28,472 non-members, i.e. 15% for members and 85% for non-members".
Beneficiaries interviewed by APS praised the initiative, which gives them easy access to dental care.
Source: aps.sn/
