Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), organised a National Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on ‘Fluorosis’ on the occasion of National Fluorosis Day, bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening prevention, early detection, management and control of fluorosis under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF).

The workshop brought together representatives from the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), AIIMS, National Dental Commission (NDC), State Nodal Officers and Consultants, among other stakeholders. The participation of institutions and experts from diverse sectors underscored the need for a coordinated and multisectoral approach to addressing fluorosis.

The workshop focused on expanding the reach and coverage of NPPCF, strengthening programme implementation through research and innovation, and promoting multisectoral action for effective prevention and control of fluorosis.

Addressing the Inaugural Session, Dr. Puspa Lata, Addl. DG, DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, provided an overview of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF) and its objectives towards prevention, early detection and management of fluorosis. She also underscored the importance of strong multi-sectoral coordination and real-time information sharing to strengthen fluorosis prevention and control efforts.

Speaking at the Occasion, Shri Lalit Wadhwa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of the Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the importance of inter-sectoral convergence, particularly with sectors dealing with drinking water and sanitation, given the close link between excessive fluoride exposure and the occurrence of fluorosis.

The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF) aims to prevent and control fluorosis through surveillance, capacity building, health education, early diagnosis and management of cases, along with appropriate inter-sectoral interventions to address excessive fluoride exposure.

The multi-stakeholder platform also facilitated the sharing of experiences, best practices and field-level learnings among States/UTs and other stakeholders, with the objective of further strengthening programme implementation and ensuring effective prevention and control of fluorosis.

The workshop reaffirmed the commitment of the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare towards strengthening public health interventions for fluorosis and promoting awareness, early detection and access to appropriate care, thereby contributing to healthier communities and improved quality of life.

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SR

HFW/ National Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on ‘Fluorosis’ /9 September 2026/1

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