Latest news with #GDCH


Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Govt Dental College gets notice over false anti-ragging report
Nagpur: The Dental Council of India (DCI) has issued a show-cause notice to the Government Dental College and Hospital (GDCH), Nagpur, for allegedly furnishing false information in its official anti-ragging compliance report for the academic year 2024–25. The incident happened during the tenure of former dean Dr Abhay Datarkar, who was recently transferred to Jalgaon. The DCI letter, dated July 15, addressed to the present dean of GDCH Nagpur, alleges that the college falsely claimed that DCI member Dr Arun Dodamani personally conducted the mandatory Anti-Ragging Orientation Programme (AROP) on Nov 18, 2024. However, upon verification, DCI found that Dr Dodamani never visited the institution on the said date. The college previously submitted clarifications in response to DCI's queries raised through letters dated May 5 and May 16, 2025. But the executive committee of DCI, dissatisfied with the explanations, described the act as "misguiding" and reflecting a "lack of seriousness towards the zero-tolerance-to-ragging policy." Now, DCI has summoned the current dean of GDCH to appear for a personal hearing before its executive committee on July 22 in New Delhi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo The timeline of the alleged incident coincides with Datarkar's tenure as dean of the institution. The matter has triggered serious concerns about administrative transparency during his tenure. During the last session of the state legislative assembly, senior Congress leader and former minister Dr Nitin Raut demanded an inquiry into the role of Dr Datarkar, alleging that the former dean was involved in multiple irregularities in recent years. Raut has called on the Maharashtra govt to not only investigate the ragging report forgery but also review decisions and functioning of the former administration. The current in-charge dean, Dr Milind Phadnaik, declined to comment, stating that he is not a full-time dean and the matter pertains to an official DCI notice. Dr Datarkar is on medical leave at present.


Time of India
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
GDCH to launch CM's dream project ‘Spark' in Nagpur
Nagpur: Celebrating its 58th foundation day on Friday, the Government Dental College and Hospital (GDCH), Nagpur, announced its pivotal role in implementing an ambitious oral health initiative, the Spark project, in Nagpur city. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dr Darshan Dakshindas, nodal officer for the Spark project at GDCH, told TOI that the programme will begin this academic year as a pilot project in city schools. "Spark will be a school-based programme focused on spreading awareness, conducting research, and sharing knowledge about oral health among school students. Importantly, it will educate children on the harmful effects of tobacco and other oral health hazards, so we can prevent the next generation from falling prey to such deadly habits," he said. Dr Dakshindas added that if successful, the project, described as the dream initiative of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, will be scaled up across Maharashtra. The district administration, local schools, and GDCH will jointly implement the programme, which also aims to provide free dental treatment to students diagnosed with oral diseases during these school-based camps. Meanwhile, the 58th foundation day of GDCH Nagpur was celebrated on Friday. Established in 1968, the institution remains one of Central India's premier centres for dental education and care. Dr Mangesh Fadnaik, dean and president of the GDCH Alumni Association, presided over the function. Chief guest Dr TR Guru Raja Rao, retired dean of Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, delivered the Foundation Day lecture titled "My Journey in Dentistry and Beyond." Dr Fadnaik highlighted the institution's progress and achievements in recent years, while Dr Rao encouraged students and faculty to embrace advances in dentistry, such as artificial tooth replacements and implant surgeries. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The GDC Bhushan Awards were conferred on three distinguished alumni: Dr TR Guru Raja Rao (first batch), Dr Surendra Padmawar (second batch), and Dr Rameshwar Dolas (third batch). The event also saw the release of the GDC Diamond Jubilee Brochure. Several academic and alumni-instituted awards were presented to meritorious students, recognising achievements in academics, research publications, innovation, outreach activities, and overall performance.


Time of India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Govt Dental College & Hospital Turns 58
Nagpur: Celebrating its 58th foundation day on Friday, the Government Dental College and Hospital (GDCH), Nagpur, still awaits the opening of the Super Specialty Dentistry and Research Centre attached to the institution. Addressing his first press conference on Thursday after taking over as the new dean, Dr Mangesh Fadnaik said the pending final works and procurement processes will delay the inauguration of the super specialty hospital. "The civil works are in the last phase. It will take another three to four months for the super specialty to get operational," Fadnaik said. "We are constantly reviewing the progress of work," he added. GDCH has already received Rs2.88 crore for equipment purchase for the super specialty facility. Two additional proposals — one for Rs2.92 crore under the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) and another for Rs3.80 crore under state govt scheme — have been submitted and are likely to receive approvals soon. "These funds will ensure that the new centre is equipped with modern technology. We have also written to state govt seeking permission to procure equipment directly through private systems rather than state corporations to expedite the process," Dr Fadnaik added. The upcoming super specialty centre will house advanced departments like implant dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, digital dentistry, sports dentistry, forensic dentistry, and geriatric dentistry, among others. Though GDCH's foundation day technically falls on July 13 — the day it was established in 1968 — the celebrations have been scheduled for July 11 this year. The day will feature a blood donation camp, alumni meet, and general body meetings. The celebrations will see GDC Bhushan awards being conferred on — Dr TR Gunarangarao from Bengaluru, a first-batch pass-out, Dr Surendra Padmawar from Yavatmal, from the second batch, and Dr Rameshwar Dolas from Pune, who belongs to the third batch of the college. Additionally, fifteen academic awards instituted by former students will also be presented during the event.


Time of India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Long queues at govt hospitals as dental treatment costs soar
Nagpur: Dental health is a vital component of overall well-being, yet it often remains neglected until problems escalate. With rising cases of tooth decay and gum disease, a growing number of patients are turning to govt hospitals for affordable is home to the Government Dental College and Hospital (GDCH) and three private dental colleges. While GDCH remains the first choice for many due to its reputation and free treatment under govt schemes, the private dental colleges and their attached hospitals also witness significant footfalls. The primary reason: the exorbitant costs at private dental hospitals and clinics across the city. However, GDCH and the private dental colleges are all grappling with long waiting periods due to the overwhelming contrast, private dental clinics have significantly hiked their charges, making them unaffordable for the average person. As a result, public hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients but are unable to meet the growing demand queues and delays — especially for critical procedures — have become GDCH, nearly 4,000 patients receive free dental care every month under various govt schemes. Common treatments include fillings, tooth extractions, and scaling. Despite wait times of up to 15 days for basic procedures, patients rarely complain. "Waiting is fine as dental treatment is usually not urgent or critical. It's mostly elective. What matters is getting good-quality treatment free of cost," said Manikrao Sukale, a senior citizen and regular visitor to GDCH. Many others echo his to GDCH Dean Dr Abhay Datarkar, the situation benefits both patients and students. "Students gain hands-on training and clinical experience with real patients. A good volume of cases is a positive sign for any teaching institute," he Dr Shradha Agrawal, a dentist with a healthcare brand, said, "To get quality treatment, a patient needs to pay for the services. We provide the best of infrastructure and patient care. More importantly, the awareness to maintain oral hygiene is lacking among people. They go to the dentist only when they have a problem but avoid taking preventive measures."In recent years, the cost of dental treatments at private clinics has skyrocketed. A root canal, which once cost around Rs 1,500, now ranges between Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000. Scaling costs have risen to Rs 800–Rs1,000, while composite fillings range between Rs 500 and Rs 700. Crowns and tooth replacements can go up to Rs 7,000 or more.A city-based private dentist noted that the rise in costs is linked to expensive materials, equipment, and implants. "This is a costly field. But many patients delay treatment or opt for temporary fixes, which only worsen oral health in the long run. There's nothing wrong with going to govt hospitals, but one shouldn't delay treatment," the dentist of Common Dental Procedures at GDCH* Root canal treatment: Rs 300* Composite filling: Rs 150* Tooth extraction: Rs 20* Metal cap: Rs 500* Ceramic tooth: Rs 450