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…
Author: Pro. Dr. Asaad Javaid Mirza
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…