The Crown Prince of Dubai has launched an initiative to conduct oral-health surveys and provide treatments to basic workers, many of whom are likely to be construction labourers.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s “humanitarian health initiative” is also aimed at spreading health awareness, state news agency WAM reported.

The ‘Hamdan bin Mohammed Oral Hygiene Initiative’ will “ensure the oral health of eligible workers,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

“Since the oral and dental treatment is highly expensive, the oral hygiene initiative to support the workers is expected to meet the urgent needs of low income category of workers. Also, the lack of health education makes them more vulnerable to mouth and teeth health problems. For this reason, we expect to achieve a big target related to workers’ oral health”, he added.

The first phase that lasts to the end of this year includes tests and treatment of more than 2,000 workers, WAM reported.