Ahmedabad, March 19 (NationPress) An extensive year-long initiative in Gujarat focused on preventive oral cancer screenings has resulted in the detection of over 3,000 pre-cancerous oral conditions. Health officials attribute this increase to improved detection methods and broader outreach rather than a rise in overall disease prevalence.

Data released prior to World Oral Health Day on March 20 indicates that the Government Dental College and Hospital uncovered 3,023 cases of pre-malignant diseases (PMDs) in 2025, a rise from 2,617 cases in the previous year.

The detections were made through 12,915 screenings during a statewide campaign conducted from March 20 to April 20 last year as part of the National Oral Health Programme (NOHP).

Health officials noted that this program was executed in a “mission mode” across 33 districts with the involvement of 282 dentists, emphasizing the importance of early-stage oral cancer detection for timely treatment.

“Thanks to the state government’s proactive healthcare approach, we are making significant strides in catching cancer at its earliest stages. This initiative not only saves lives but also alleviates pressure on our healthcare system,” an official statement highlighted.

The campaign featured 265 health awareness sessions, two walkathons, and tobacco cessation pledges taken at 94 sites.

ASHA workers received specialized training aimed at enhancing the monitoring and early detection of oral health issues at the community level.

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the institution reported that over 224,130 patients utilized dental outpatient department (OPD) services from January to December 2025.

This growth trend has persisted into 2026, with 17,788 patients treated in January and 17,564 in February.

Officials remarked that these statistics point to increased public awareness and prompt use of oral healthcare services.

In addition to hospital care, outreach was expanded to include underserved and vulnerable populations.

Mobile dental units and 45 special outreach camps provided oral health check-ups for over 4,980 beneficiaries, including prisoners, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and children with disabilities.

Officials emphasized that this outreach initiative ensured sensitive groups received focused screenings and treatments, while school-based camps prioritized care for children, especially those with disabilities.

Preventive measures such as pit and fissure sealants and fluoride varnish were applied in schools to mitigate the risk of dental diseases and related complications.

“The achievements of GDCH Ahmedabad showcase the institution's rapid emergence as a pioneering force in oral healthcare in India,” the statement concluded.