A year-long preventive screening expansion in Gujarat has revealed more than 3,000 pre-cancerous oral conditions, credited to early detection and broader outreach. Data released before World Oral Health Day on March 20 shows that the Government Dental College and Hospital identified 3,023 cases of pre-malignant diseases in 2025, up from 2,617 cases in 2024. These cases were found during 12,915 screenings conducted as part of a statewide campaign under the National Oral Health Programme.
The program, executed across 33 districts by 282 dentists, aimed at detecting oral cancer at early stages for timely intervention. Officials highlighted that the state’s preventive healthcare policy has significantly improved cancer identification at its earliest phase, thereby saving lives and reducing healthcare system burdens. The campaign also included health awareness sessions, walkathons, and tobacco cessation pledges at various locations.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the institution reported that over 2,24,130 patients availed dental outpatient department services in 2025. The positive trend continued in 2026, with 17,788 patients treated in January and 17,564 in February. This rise in patient numbers reflects growing public awareness and timely utilization of oral healthcare services.
In addition to hospital-based care, outreach efforts targeted underserved populations through mobile dental units and special camps. More than 4,980 beneficiaries, including prison inmates, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and children with disabilities, received oral health check-ups. School-based camps prioritized dental care for children, especially those with disabilities, offering preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride varnish to reduce dental disease risks.
The efforts of GDCH Ahmedabad are positioning the institution as a national role model in oral healthcare, showcasing significant progress and achievements in the field.
