- Takaful-based plans and public-private partnerships offer hope for accessible oral healthcare solution
Oral health, far from being a separate entity, stands as a basis of general well-being and a significant determinant of an individual’s quality of life. The intricate connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body is well-established, with poor oral hygiene and untreated dental conditions acting as potential gateways to serious systemic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite this critical link, oral health remains a distressingly overlooked aspect of Pakistan’s healthcare landscape. A confluence of factors, including alarmingly low public awareness about dental diseases, their prevention, and their far-reaching impact on general health, coupled with socioeconomic disparities and inadequate infrastructure, contributes to the pervasive underutilization of essential dental services across the nation.
One of the most formidable barriers hindering access to proper dental care in Pakistan is the conspicuous absence of a robust dental insurance system. Unlike many developed countries where dental insurance plays a crucial role in distributing the financial burden of oral healthcare, the vast majority of Pakistanis are compelled to rely entirely on out-of-pocket payments for all dental treatments. This financial constraint renders essential oral healthcare unaffordable and inaccessible for a significant portion of the population, particularly those in low- and middle-income brackets. Consequently, individuals often postpone or completely skip necessary dental visits until their condition deteriorates to an unbearable point. This delay not only worsens the prognosis and increases the complexity of treatment but also escalates the overall cost.
Tangible censequences
- Limited access and escalating disease burden: As highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan grapples with a significant burden of tooth decay, gum ailments, and oral cancers. The lack of widespread insurance coverage acts as a major deterrent to early diagnosis and timely intervention, allowing these conditions to progress unchecked and ultimately necessitating more complex and costly emergency procedures.
- Crushing financial strain on households: The reliance on out-of-pocket payments for the majority of dental treatments places a significant financial strain on families. Complex yet often necessary procedures such as root canals, crowns, implants, and dentures carry substantial costs, forcing many patients to make the difficult choice of opting for tooth extraction as a cheaper alternative. This decision, while alleviating immediate financial pressure, further compromises oral function, aesthetics, and quality of life.
- A void in awareness and preventive practices: The absence of insurance incentives that promote preventive care contributes to a persistent lack of public awareness regarding fundamental aspects of oral hygiene. A significant portion of the population lacks adequate knowledge about proper brushing techniques, the benefits of fluoride use, and the crucial role of dietary habits in preventing dental diseases. Insurance schemes that proactively incorporate educational programs could serve as a powerful tool in mitigating this gap in knowledge.
Potential solutions
Addressing this silent crisis requires a multi-pronged approach involving governmental initiatives, private sector engagement, and community-level interventions. Several potential solutions hold promise for improving oral health access and outcomes in Pakistan:
- Government-led dental insurance schemes: The federal and provincial governments should prioritize the introduction of subsidized or even free dental insurance schemes specifically targeted towards low-income populations. Leveraging existing health programs like the Sehat Sahulat Program and expanding their scope to encompass essential dental care would significantly reduce financial barriers and encourage regular dental visits, fostering a culture of proactive oral healthcare.
- Employer-based dental insurance: Encouraging, or even mandating, private companies to include dental insurance as a standard component of employee health benefits would be a significant step forward. This would improve access to quality dental care for the working class and simultaneously alleviate the pressure on overburdened public healthcare facilities.
- Public-private partnerships: Strategic collaborations between the government and private dental clinics can play a vital role in making treatments more affordable and accessible. Implementing subsidized treatments, deploying mobile dental units to underserved areas, and organizing free dental camps in rural and marginalized urban communities can effectively bridge the existing gap in accessibility.
- Micro-insurance and flexible payment plans: Tailoring micro-insurance schemes specifically for low-income individuals, coupled with provision of installment-based payment options, can make necessary treatments more financially manageable. The adoption of digital payment solutions can also streamline transactions and enhance convenience for patients.
- Embracing Islamic financial solutions: Recognizing the preference for Sharia-compliant financial products among a significant portion of the Pakistani population, the introduction and active promotion of Takaful-based dental coverage holds immense potential. By offering affordable and comprehensive Sharia-compliant dental plans, Takaful operators can tap into a previously underserved market segment. The ethical framework inherent in Takaful, emphasizing community support and shared responsibility, can enhance the appeal and acceptance of insurance. Designing Takaful coverage to encompass essential yet unaffordable treatments like root canals, crowns, implants, and orthodontics can significantly improve access to necessary dental care for a larger segment of the population, aligning with their religious values and addressing the current inadequacies in oral healthcare provision. Encouraging financial institutions to actively develop and offer Takaful-based dental plans represents a positive and culturally sensitive step towards making dental care more accessible and equitable in Pakistan.
The writer is a Dean Faculty of Dentistry, Baqai Medical University, Karachi