- A pathway to economic growth in Pakistan
Oral health, often overlooked as a mere cosmetic concern, has profound implications for general health and economic well-being. In Pakistan, like many developing nations, oral health issues are prevalent which go unaddressed, leading to significant economic burdens. The intricate relationship between oral health and economic development, along with the challenges and opportunities specific to Pakistan, has been described in this writing.
Economic impact of poor oral health
Poor oral health can have far-reaching economic consequences, both at the individual and societal levels. At the individual level, untreated dental problems can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty in eating and speaking, affecting productivity and earning potential. Absenteeism from schools and workplaces due to toothache and other dental ailments are not uncommon. Moreover, severe oral infections can spread to other parts of the body, causing systemic health issues that require costly medical treatments. Many oral diseases have been found associated with increasing risk of systemic diseases.
At the societal level, the economic burden of poor oral health is substantial. It manifests in various forms. Untreated dental problems can escalate into more complex and expensive conditions, straining healthcare systems. Pain and discomfort associated with oral health issues can reduce work hours and productivity. Dental pain can hinder children’s ability to concentrate and learn, impacting their educational outcomes. Visible oral health problems can lead to social isolation and discrimination, affecting individuals’ psychological well-being and social opportunities.
Challenges in Pakistan’s oral health sector
In Pakistan, according to a WHO report, approximately 46% of children and 27% of adults suffer from untreated tooth decay. The risk factors for developing tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer are alarmingly high. Several factors contribute to the poor state of oral health in Pakistan. A significant portion of the population, particularly in rural and underserved areas, lacks access to basic dental services. Many people are unaware of the importance of oral hygiene and preventive measures. Certain cultural practices, such as excessive Pan and Betel nut chewing and poor oral hygiene habits, contribute to oral health problems. Restorative or Orthodontic dental treatments, which involve repairing damaged or straightening crooked teeth, are expensive procedures. The high cost puts them out of reach for the majority of the population. In public sector hospitals, limited dental services are available, focusing on emergency procedures like tooth extractions. For more comprehensive treatments, patients are forced to seek care from private dental practitioners.
Healthcare system in Pakistan is in dire need of increased funding to strengthen its infrastructure, alleviate workforce shortages, and focus on developing and improving healthcare facilities, particularly in underserved and rural regions. The lack of coordination between the public and private sectors unnecessarily hampers the healthcare system in the country. Synergistic collaborations between public and private sector organizations can optimize healthcare delivery, infrastructure development, and service accessibility.
Enhancing oral health
To improve oral health in Pakistan, a multi-pronged approach is essential to enforce immediately.
- Government-led initiatives should prioritize oral health awareness, especially among kids and youth. Local dental associations can partner with the government to support these efforts.
- Banks and microfinance institutions can finance clinic establishment, dental equipment purchases, and working capital for dentists, particularly in underserved areas.
- Offering incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, or grants can encourage private entities to invest in underserved areas and focus on public health priorities.
- Community-based programs can provide oral health education and basic dental services to underserved populations. Dental educational institutions with community dentistry departments can play a vital role in both the training of undergraduate dental students to work in communities and the direct provision of dental services to the community.
- Integrating oral health services into primary healthcare settings can improve access and early detection of dental problems.
- Government subsidies and insurance coverage can make dental care more affordable for low-income individuals and families.
Investing in oral health is not only an essential public health measures but also a sound economic decision that can contribute to the progress of the nation.
The writer is a Dean Faculty of Dentistry, Baqai Medical University, Karachi