 
A Model for Oral Cancer Eradication (MOCE) among Narikuravar tribal population, a project funded by Indian Council of Medical Research, organized by Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry was inaugurated in presence of representative from Ministry of revenue, Industries and Commerce, Transport, Information Technology, Minority affairs, Forest and Waqf Board headed by Honorable Minister Mr. M.O.H.F. Shahjahan. The project is headed by Dr. Sivaramakrishnan Muthanandam, Associate professor from Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences. Other co investigators, Dr. Jananni Muthu, Dr. Vezhavendan N and Dr. Suganya M were present. The program was inaugurated by Mr. Bruno, Managing trustee, Samugam trust, Mr. Gopal Pillai, Chairman, Mother’s trust, Pondicherry, and Dr. Santha Devy, Vice Principal, IGIDS. A representative from Tamilnadu IDA branch, Dr. Arun Varghese was also present. This project aims to design and test a cost effective sustainable model for oral cancer screening among Narikurava population in and around Pondicherry. The dignitaries and the beneficiaries were formally welcomed by Dr. Sivaramakrishnan Muthanandam who also explained the basis and aim of the program. Mr. Bruno and Mr. Gopal Pillai addressed the gathering explaining the importance of the oral cancer screening program and promised with provision of all facilities to conduct regular screening programs. A team comprising of dentists and interns from IGIDS started preliminary screening for oral cancer among a small group of the population. The entire program was coordinated by Dr. Kishore, Field coordinator. Screening program for oral cancer detection and prevention will be conducted every Thursday by the team at the Narikuravar colony, Lawspet, Pondicherry.Â
