Pakistan faces challenges in oral health due to limited access, decay, and poor awareness Oral health is a vital component of general health, yet it often remains overlooked in many parts of the world, including Pakistan. With a population of over 25 crore people, Pakistan faces significant challenges in oral health, including high rates of tooth decay, gum diseases, and limited access to dental care. In this context, advertising by top oral care brands has emerged as a powerful tool for shaping oral health awareness and influencing consumer behavior. International and local brands have not only dominated the market but…
Author: Pro. Dr. Asaad Javaid Mirza
Dentists promote oral health awareness, preventive care, and policy advocacy to improve public health in Pakistan Dentists play a pivotal role in public health, extending far beyond the confines of their clinics. As healthcare professionals, they are uniquely positioned to address oral health issues, which are largely overlooked but have a deep influence on general health and quality of life. In a country like Pakistan, where access to healthcare is limited and awareness about oral hygiene is usually inadequate, dentists significantly contribute to public health initiatives and educate communities. Promoting oral health awareness One of the most important roles dentists…
The integration of Islamic finance with dental healthcare presents a unique opportunity to address the growing demand for affordable and ethical healthcare solutions in Pakistan. Islamic finance, rooted in Sharia principles, emphasizes equity, risk-sharing, and social welfare, making it an ideal framework for supporting healthcare initiatives. However, while the potential is significant, several challenges must be addressed to ensure successful implementation. Opportunities Ethical and Interest-Free Financing: Islamic finance operates on the principles of fairness and prohibition of interest (Riba), which aligns with the ethical concerns of many healthcare providers and patients. Products like Qarz al-Hasan (interest-free loans) and Mudarabah (profit-sharing)…
Beyond charity dentistry can help profit while fighting poverty Poverty and oral health are closely linked, as access to quality dental care remains a challenge for underprivileged communities. Millions of people worldwide suffer from preventable dental diseases due to financial constraints. However, dentistry has the potential to be both a profitable industry and a powerful tool for poverty alleviation. Through innovative business models, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and community-driven approaches, dentists and businesses can contribute to economic development while expanding access to essential oral healthcare. Poor oral health is not just a medical issue but an economic one. Dental…
Parents should teach kids about ad influence; while ethical marketing practices must set in to promote healthier food choices for the society Sugar is a primary contributor to tooth decay. When sugar is consumed, bacteria in the mouth feed on it and produce acids as a byproduct. These acids attack tooth enamel, leading to demineralisation and eventually cavities if not addressed. The more frequently sugar is consumed, the more prolonged the exposure to acid, increasing the risk of decay. Sugary snacks and drinks are a leading cause of tooth decay (cavities) among children. The consumption of sugar feeds harmful bacteria…
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,…
Takaful, an Islamic insurance model based on mutual cooperation, provides accessible, Shariah-compliant dental care for Muslim communities. In Pakistan, access to comprehensive dental care is limited. Public hospitals only offer basic services like tooth extractions. Though private clinics provide a wider range of treatments, the high costs can be prohibitive for the majority of the population. They, therefore, need insurance to afford dental care, but many avoid traditional insurance options due to religious concerns about interest (Riba) and gambling (Maysir). Takaful, a unique Islamic insurance model based on mutual cooperation, can make dental care more accessible to a wider population;…
Tailored banking solutions, like reducing collateral and accepting equipment or future receivables, can help young dentists thrive The lack of job opportunities for dentists across the country has become a significant concern in recent years. Many dentists struggle to find stable employment within established practices or healthcare institutions, leaving them with no choice but to start their own clinics. Opening a private dental practice can be a rewarding career move, but it also comes with earth-shattering financial challenges, especially for young dentists. Unlike medical clinics, setting up a dental practice requires substantial upfront capital for purchasing or renting office space,…
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…
Since gaining independence in 1947, Pakistan has made significant strides in the field of dental care delivery and education. However, the journey has been marked by challenges, gradual progress and the ongoing need for improvement to ensure that every citizen has access to quality dental care. In the years immediately following independence, Pakistan faced numerous challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, limited healthcare facilities and a shortage of qualified dental professionals. Dental care was primarily concentrated in urban centers, with rural areas having little to no access to dental services. The focus of dental practices was largely on tooth extraction…
Pakistan allocates just 0.5-0.8% of its GDP to the health sector, one of the lowest percentages globally. The World Health Organisation recommends spending at least 5% of GDP on health. With such limited investment, basic health needs cannot be adequately met, let alone oral health. Oral healthcare in this country lacks a dedicated budget, reflecting its status as a neglected aspect of general health. In Pakistan, healthcare is delivered through primary, secondary, and tertiary health centers. At all levels, the sole oral health service provided is tooth extraction. Tertiary health centers also treat some patients with accidental trauma and oral…
The transformation in climate has the most devastating impact on a modern man’s life. Human activities, including the combustion of carbon-based fuels and disforestation, have drastically escalated gas emissions, driving global warming and climate change. This has caused extreme weather conditions, sea-level rise and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity. Pollution from industrial processes, plastic waste and improper waste disposal contaminates air, water and soil which not only injure our health but also influences wildlife, ecosystems, and the wide-ranging functioning of the planet. Agricultural runoff refers to water from rainfall or irrigation, also contributes to pollution. It flows over agricultural fields…
The federal government of Pakistan has presented a deficit budget of Rs18,887 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. Alongside ambitious set targets which will be challenging to achieve, the budget brings positive developments for the journalist community in the shape of health insurance policy. Journalists undeniably play a vital role in keeping the public informed and holding authorities accountable. Their health is crucial for maintaining a free and informed society. They often encounter unique occupational hazards while covering conflict zones or during pandemics. Offering health insurance to journalists will allow them to report without undue health concerns. This insurance will…
Leveraging quality education to attract international students and foster economic growth Inviting international students to study helps universities enhance their global reputation that leads to their higher rankings and greater international recognition and prestige of the host country. Countries with low economic growth often invite foreign students to study, reaping multiple benefits including direct and indirect economic gains, enhanced educational quality and strengthened international relations. These advantages collectively contribute to the economic development and global integration of the host country. Economic benefits International students contribute significantly to the economy through tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and other expenditures. They pay…
Private sector’s role required in ensuring access for needy communities Socioeconomic oral health disparities refer to differences in oral health outcomes and access to dental care based on individuals’ social, educational and monetary status. These disparities are significant public health concerns and have far-reaching consequences on the individuals’ general health and well-being. Reducing these disparities is essential for obtaining equitable access to oral health care and improving the general welfare of populations across various socioeconomic backgrounds. A Pathfinder survey has been conducted in Pakistan that gives comprehensive data regarding the prevalence, severity and age-wise distribution of the various oral conditions…
In Pakistan, the private sector plays a substantially significant role in dental healthcare through dental education, health delivery and research, contributing to the improvement of oral health and the advancement of knowledge regarding current trends and technology being incorporated in the dental profession globally. The market-driven approach of the private sector leads to competition and innovation that positively influences dental health delivery and education in the country. In the public sector, till the late 80s, there were merely 4-5 colleges operating in the country, accessible to students for achieving dental education. These colleges could hardly cater 100-120 students annually which…