New Delhi: TV9 Bharatvarsh Satta Sammelan, part of the ‘What India Thinks Today’ Summit, witnessed leaders from all over the country talk about India and its initiatives to make the country a more self-reliant and healthier nation. And talk of healthcare, Navneet Saluja, Area General Manager, BU, India sub-continent, Haleon, joined the event to share his take on the company’s take and initiative towards making India healthier and creating awareness on oral health. The session witnessed Saluja talking about how the younger generation looks at healthcare, and the role that industries’ and PM initiatives have to play in it.
Navneet Saluja said, “Health is an important subject, and when India gained independence, our average was less than 40, and it is above 70. And what’s better is that this is likely to rise to over 100 in people born after the new millennium kicked off. Health begins with thought, mental health, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular check-ups focusing on preventive healthcare. And when we talk about oral health, the mouth is the door to it – it is where food goes in and it also tells how healthy you are. Yet, 4 billion people suffer from oral healthcare problems. As per FDI, 9 out of 10 have oral health problems.”
Saluja went on to talk about how the economy suffers too because of this. He explained that more than we lose Rs 50,000 crore worth of productivity due to dental issues; even a tooth pain can be severe enough to stop one from going to work.
Role of India vis-a-vis oral health
Haleon’s boss was also questioned about the role of India vis-a-vis oral health.
“In India, oral health gains less prominence due to a lack of awareness. Preventive healthcare is low, and for that, we must first recognise the loopholes that are responsible. Firstly, only 5% of people go to the dentist, while ideally one should go twice a year for a check-up. Secondly, there are only two dentists for every 10,000 patients, which is a serious concern. And thirdly, most people go to the dentist when a serious issue comes up,” he added.
What is Haleon doing to bridge the gap?
Saluja said, “Haleon is working towards creating awareness about oral health and the problems associated with it. We are making efforts to make people know about the problem, and this is further necessary, citing India’s struggle with diabetes; the country is also a heart disease capital. And awareness was how we eradicated polio.”
Haleon, he said, achieves this goal by collaborating with IDA and using tech to do check-ups, a chin test to check sensitivity in teeth, and campaigns in rural areas. He said that the Kumbh Mela was also a huge opportunity wherein, in one day, more than 27,000 people were evaluated for dental health, and it also entered the guineass book of World Records. And with that in mind, Haleon is working to bring in maximum products that would in the long run, help in boosting daily health.
WITT Summit: Navneet Saluja, Area General Manager, BU, India sub-continent, Haleon, joined the event to share his take on the company’s take and initiative towards making India healthier and creating awareness on oral health. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
