- Remittance income helps families afford dental check-ups, fillings, and even private clinic treatments
A considerable number of people, especially those hailing from nations categorized as developing or belonging to the third world, like to undertake the significant decision to relocate to countries that boast more advanced socioeconomic conditions. The primary motivation behind these movement is the pursuit of enhanced prospects in the realm of employment.
Upon arrival in these more affluent nations, these migrants typically find themselves engaged in occupations that are either physically demanding or centered around providing services. These roles, while perhaps not always the most prestigious, offer levels of financial compensation that notably surpass the earning potential available to them in their countries of origin.
It’s worth noting that specific migration patterns exist based on geographic proximity and economic factors. For instance, individuals from South Asian and African nations frequently choose to seek employment in the oil-producing countries of the Middle East, drawn by the economic opportunities present in that region.
A key aspect of this relocation is the consistent flow of financial resources back to the relocators’ home countries. A substantial portion of the income earned abroad is diligently sent back as remittances to support their families and loved ones. These remittances serve as a vital lifeline, playing an indispensable role in maintaining a stable and improved quality of life for those left behind. The funds are generally allocated towards covering essential daily living expenses, ensuring access to education for children, and enabling access to necessary healthcare services. For numerous families, these remittances pave the way for enhanced social mobility, leading to improved living standards and creating a wider array of opportunities for subsequent generations to flourish.
Impact of remittance
Looking at the broader impact over time, the continuous influx of this financial support extends beyond individual households. It significantly contributes to the overall local economy of the migrants’ home countries. Economically, remittances stabilize national finances by increasing foreign exchange reserves, supporting currency stability, and reducing reliance on external debt. They also stimulate local economies as recipients spend on goods and services, creating demand and employment opportunities. In some cases, remittances fund small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and economic diversification. Socially, remittances empower marginalized groups, particularly women, by providing financial independence and improving access to resources. They also help communities recover from crises like natural disasters or economic downturns, acting as a vital safety net.
Impact on dental care in Pakistan
Though there isn’t extensive research specifically focused on home remittances and their direct impact on reducing inequalities in access to dental care in Pakistan but we can gather some potential effects based on the broader literature on remittances and healthcare expenditure.
Increased Household Income: Remittances increase the overall income of recipient households. This income makes dental care more affordable, potentially allowing families to seek treatment that they might have otherwise foregone due to financial constraints.
Improved Healthcare Spending: Studies in Pakistan have shown that remittances are associated with increased household spending on both clinical services and medicines. While this doesn’t specifically focus on dental care, it suggests a general trend of improved healthcare access and utilization with remittance income.
Access to Better Quality Care: With more financial resources, remittance-receiving families might be able to access private dental clinics that offer higher quality services, specialized treatments, and better facilities compared to often overburdened public options.
Addressing Dental Emergencies: Remittances can provide a financial safety net, enabling families to handle unexpected and often costly dental emergencies without falling into further financial hardship.
Preventive Care: The increased financial stability from remittances might allow families to prioritise preventative dental care, such as regular check-ups and routine scaling & polishing, done to eliminate chances of gum diseases, rather than only seeking treatment when problems become severe and more expensive.
Specific Remittance-Linked Initiatives: Some financial institutions in Pakistan, like UBL, have introduced remittance-linked insurance products that include dental coverage. This directly addresses the cost barrier for remittance recipients.
The writer is a Dean Faculty of Dentistry, Baqai Medical University, Karachi