Kathmandu, May 27: Ex-prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai inaugurated the first biennial dental conference, a scientific meeting of the National Dental Hospital and a dental trade exhibition amid a function here today.

Deliberations on research and innovative technology in dental care will be held at the 2-day conference organised in Nepal for the first time by the private sector.

On the occasion, ex-prime minister Bhattarai underlined the need for imparting knowledge about health at the school level in view of the lack of adequate consciouseness among the general public due to poverty and ignorance.

Minister of State for Health Tirtha Ram Dangol, speaking from the chair, said that if quality health services are provided within the country that will definitely help stem the draining out of the national exchequer

He also expressed conviction that the conference would be helpful for adopting scientific treatment methodologies in Dental Care in Nepal.

Resident representative of WHO Dr. Claus Wagner spoke of the need for concerted effort for facing the challenges that arise in dental care with advancements in science and technology.

During the inaugural function, a host of speakers including chairman of the hospital Dr. K.K. Pradhan, executive director Dr. Sushil Koirala and Dr. Shambhu Man Singh threw light on the activities of the hospital over the past three years and on the objectives of the conference.