Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The Haryana health department has launched a new state-wide initiative, ‘Muskaan Se Maatratav Tak’, making oral health check-ups mandatory for all pregnant women visiting government healthcare facilities. Under this scheme, expectant mothers will receive free dental screenings to identify and treat oral health issues early. Health Minister Arti Singh Rao announced that these check-ups are now a compulsory component of the services provided during the monthly Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) and ePMSMA days at all public health centres.
The state government introduced this policy to address the heightened risk of dental caries and gingivitis caused by hormonal shifts during pregnancy. Health officials emphasized that poor oral hygiene during gestation is linked to severe complications, including low birth weight and preterm deliveries. To mitigate these risks, the department has scheduled these free screenings for the 9th, 10th, 23rd, and the final working day of each month, encouraging widespread participation from families to ensure safer pregnancies.
According to Dr. R.S. Dhillon, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) Haryana, preliminary screenings will be handled by trained frontline healthcare workers at antenatal clinics. Patients identified with complex dental issues will be transferred immediately to the nearest state dental facility for specialised treatment. District civil surgeons have been ordered to streamline operations between prenatal and dental departments to prevent any administrative delays for visitors.
In addition to medical check-ups, the campaign includes an educational component focused on preventative care. Healthcare staff will instruct pregnant women on correct brushing habits, balanced nutrition, and safe dental practices. The health department reassured the public that standard dental examinations and targeted treatments are entirely safe throughout pregnancy when conducted under proper medical supervision.
