- From tooth extraction to lasting care, microfinance can transform rural dentistry
Access to quality dental care is a significant concern in rural Pakistan, where approximately 64 per cent of the population resides, according to the census. The urban centres have relatively better healthcare infrastructure but rural areas lack adequate facilities and trained professionals. This disparity leaves a major portion of the population without proper dental care, leading to untreated dental conditions that can have severe health implications. Microfinance, a financial service designed to provide small loans to individuals or businesses, offers a promising solution to bridge this gap. It can play a pivotal role in expanding access to dental care in rural and underprivileged urban areas in Pakistan through the enablement of local entrepreneurs and dental professionals.
Rural areas in Pakistan face innumerable problems in accessing healthcare, and dental care is no exception. The scarcity of trained dental professionals, inadequate facilities, and lack of awareness about oral hygiene contribute to the poor state of dental health in these regions. The high cost of dental equipment and supplies further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for rural dental practitioners and freshly graduated dentists to establish and sustain their practices. In public sector health centers, the routine dental procedure available is merely tooth extraction, which comes with its own set of consequences. Though extraction might seem like a more affordable option initially, the long-term consequences can lead to more complex and expensive treatments later on, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures to replace the missing tooth. Failing to replace an extracted tooth leads to a cascade of problems that affect not just oral health but also the patient’s quality of life.
Role of microfinance
Microfinance has been traditionally associated with poverty alleviation by providing small loans to low-income individuals, enabling them to start o expand small businesses. However, its application has extended beyond entrepreneurship to sectors like healthcare. In the context of oral healthcare, microfinance can be used to finance the establishment of clinics, purchase dental equipment, and provide working capital to dentists.
One of the primary barriers to establishing dental clinics in rural areas is the initial capital investment required for equipment, supplies, and infrastructure. The cost of setting up a dental practice can vary significantly depending on the location, with estimates running into several million Rupees even in rural areas. The imposition of higher taxes on dental equipment and a sharp decline in the value of the Pakistani Rupee have driven up the prices of most dental supplies. This substantial initial investment is beyond the financial capacity of a recent graduate or dentist who wishes to serve rural communities. Traditional banks and other microfinance institutions (MFIs) can provide small loans to aspiring dental practitioners, enabling them to set up clinics in underserved areas. These loans can be structured to accommodate the cash flow challenges of new practices, with flexible repayment terms and low-interest rates.
Charitable organisations and NGOs aim to offer dental care to impoverished communities in remote areas. However, their limited budgets prevent them from purchasing essential dental equipment and supplies. Microfinance can support the purchase of mobile dental units, which can be used to provide care in remote areas where establishing a permanent clinic may not be feasible. These units can be a cost-effective way to reach a larger population and offer basic dental services such as check-ups, cleanings, and extractions.
Beyond financing the establishment of dental practices, microfinance can also be used to fund preventive care initiatives. Banks and existing MFIs, in the country, can provide loans or grants to community health workers and NGOs focused on promoting oral hygiene and preventive care in rural areas. These initiatives can include educational campaigns, free dental check-up camps, and the distribution of dental hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste. Through enhanced awareness and encouraging preventive care, microfinance can help reduce the incidence of dental diseases, thereby decreasing the burden on healthcare providers. This approach not only addresses immediate dental needs but also contributes to long-term improvements in oral health among rural communities.
Challenges and considerations
Though microfinance offers significant potential for expanding access to dental care in rural Pakistan, there are challenges that need to be addressed. One of the primary concerns is the risk of default, as rural oral healthcare providers may face financial difficulties due to the low income levels of their patients. MFIs need to develop tailored financial products that take into account the unique challenges of this sector.
Moreover, there is a need for collaboration between MFIs, government agencies, and local dental associations to ensure that microfinance initiatives are integrated into broader healthcare strategies. This includes providing training and technical support to loan recipients, as well as ensuring that there is adequate infrastructure to support the delivery of dental care in rural and underserved urban areas.
The Author is a Dean Faculty of Dentistry, Baqai Medical College, Karachi