- Expanding dental education, research, and clinics is essential for Pakistan–Saudi Arabia economic cooperation
The enduring bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is rooted in shared faith and a deep history of brotherly, diplomatic and cultural exchange. This relationship, traditionally centered on pilgrimage, labor migration, and political alignment, is now poised for a new chapter of economic cooperation, particularly in the healthcare sector. As Saudi Arabia embarks on its ambitious Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and enhance public services, growing expertise and human capital of dentistry in Pakistan, present a compelling opportunity. Creating a comprehensive partnership that includes dental education, clinical practice, hospital infrastructure, and the supply chain, both nations can achieve mutual prosperity and strengthen their strategic ties.
The collaboration begins at the very root of the profession, dental education. Pakistan has a well-developed network of over 50 public and private dental schools, producing a large cohort of skilled dentists annually. Many of these graduates seek opportunities abroad, and Saudi Arabia, with its booming healthcare market and a strategic goal to localize its workforce, is a natural destination. Strengthening ties between Pakistani and Saudi dental schools could streamline this process. Joint programs, exchange initiatives for students and faculty, and mutual recognition of degrees are crucial first steps. This would not only provide a skilled workforce for Saudi Arabia but also enhance the quality of dental education in Pakistan by exposing students to advanced technologies and best practices from Saudi institutions, which are making significant investments in their academic health centers.
A formalized framework for collaboration could allow for joint research projects. Pakistani dental schools could leverage their strengths in epidemiological studies and community health, while Saudi universities could provide access to state-of-the-art research facilities and funding. This collaborative research could address regional oral health challenges, such as the prevalence of specific dental diseases or the development of culturally sensitive preventive care programs. The College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) already offers examinations for Saudi Arabia, a testament to the existing professional trust and a solid foundation to build upon.
The operational arm of this partnership lies in dental clinics and hospitals. Saudi Arabia’s Healthcare Sector Transformation Program, a key component of Vision 2030, is focused on modernizing facilities and attracting global talent. This creates a significant demand for dental professionals, particularly specialists in areas like Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics,Prosthodontics and Implantology. Pakistan can serve as a key source of qualified dentists to meet this demand. Facilitating the smooth migration and integration of Pakistani dentists into the Saudi healthcare system is vital. This includes simplifying licensing procedures, providing language and cultural training, and ensuring equitable working conditions.
Beyond just providing human resources, there is potential for joint ventures and public-private partnerships. Pakistani healthcare groups could collaborate with Saudi investors to establish and manage dental clinics and specialty hospitals within the Kingdom. This would not only bring in foreign investment but also allow for the transfer of expertise in management, patient care protocols, and technology. For instance, a private Pakistani dental hospital chain known for its efficiency and quality could partner with a Saudi entity to establish a similar facility in Saudi Arabia, catering to both the local population and the large expatriate community. This would be a tangible demonstration of economic cooperation.
The collaboration extends beyond human capital to encompass the entire supply chain. Dentistry is a materials-intensive field, requiring a steady supply of dental instruments, consumables, and equipment. Currently, both countries rely heavily on international imports from Europe, the US, and China. There is a emerging opportunity for both nations to develop a mutually beneficial trade relationship in this sector.
Pakistan has a growing medical device and surgical instruments industry, with a long history of manufacturing. While this sector is still developing, a strategic partnership with Saudia could provide the necessary market access and investment to scale up. Pakistani manufacturers could focus on producing high-quality, cost-effective dental instruments and consumables tailored to the Saudi market. Conversely, Saudia through its national industrial development programs, could invest in manufacturing facilities in Pakistan or establish joint ventures to produce dental equipment. This would diversify the supply chain for both countries, reduce dependence on volatile global markets, and create a new avenue for bilateral trade.
Integration of digital health solutions presents a new frontier. Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in telemedicine and electronic health records. Pakistani IT companies, known for their prowess in software development, could partner with Saudi counterparts to create and implement digital solutions specifically for dental care. This includes teledentistry platforms for remote consultations, AI-powered diagnostic tools, and digital supply chain management systems to track inventory and streamline procurement. These collaborations would strengthen the technological infrastructure of both nations and position them as regional leaders in digital healthcare.
The Author Prof. Dr Asaad Javaid is a Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Baqai Medical University