KARACHI: SBK International, a prominent importer and distributor of medical devices, using cutting-edge innovative VELscope technology approved by Health Canada, provided complementary oral cancer screening to the participants of the National Health Summit 2024 - Dental Hygiene, hosted by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) recently.
VELscope, a revolutionary tool, can identify any abnormal mouth tissue within just two minutes without causing any pain, which is crucial for timely intervention in case of oral cancer.
Despite advancements, the mortality rate of oral cancer remains stagnant, often due to late detection. Recognized risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, poor diet, and genetic predisposition. Early detection saves lives.
President Dr. Arif Alvi, was the chief guest of the event, which attracted former presidents and members of the chamber, healthcare professionals from both public and private sectors, the general public, and aspiring dental students.
President Alvi underscored the importance of physical hygiene, drawing from Islamic teachings linking it with spiritual purity. He stated that 90 percent of dental cases and communicable diseases could be addressed through regular tooth brushing and other hygiene practices.
He called upon all stakeholders and the business community to actively promote awareness regarding health matters and oral cancer screening.
RCCI President Saqib Rafique and Chairman of RCCI Standing Committee on Health, Dr. Shimail Daud Arain, commended SBK International for its proactive stance in offering free oral cancer screenings through VELscope to RCCI members and other attendees.
Saad Bin Kamil, Director of SBK International, stressed the need for regular oral cancer screenings, especially given the alarming rise in the disease cases in Pakistan. He elaborated on the importance of the FDA-approved VELscope device, which is currently being used by over 18,000 practitioners across nearly 20 countries to facilitate early detection of oral cancer and reducing mortality rates.
Acknowledging the support of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) in enlisting VELscope as a freely importable medical device in Pakistan, SBK International's CEO, Muhammad Kamil, and Consultant, Abdur Rehman, expressed their commitment to conducting introductory and awareness sessions on oral cancer screenings at hospitals, dental colleges, and universities all over the country.
Mr Kamil urged NGOs, dental practitioners, hospitals, teaching institutes, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and donors from both the public and private sectors to join hands in advancing this national cause, aimed at promoting dental hygiene and raising awareness about oral cancer across the country.
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