The National Oral Health Policy announced by the Federal Ministry of Health some time ago will change the market dynamics of the Indian dental care market. This policy recognizes that oral health should be treated like any other serious health problem in the country. It highlights the importance of equity, integration, community participation, gender, prevention and promotion, and research as key tools used to address the burden of oral disease in India.
This policy was introduced to strengthen the oral health care delivery system at all levels to provide promotional, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services. Promote evidence generation, innovation, and support for oral health policy implementation to control and reduce risk factors and prevent oral disease. Encourage policy-driven research, education, implementation and monitoring. and building the capacity of service providers and public health facilities to make available skilled oral health professionals and deliver essential oral health services.
The policy also aims to ensure the integration of oral health into all policies in multisectoral domains, including national programs under health, education, labor and community-related policies. Identify centers of excellence at the national, regional and state levels to generate research innovation and evidence to strengthen national oral health programs. Support the Center of Excellence in a variety of activities, including capacity building for service providers across the state. Ensuring regular monitoring and regular evaluation of oral health programs to improve expected implementation and outcomes under the NOHP; Clarify roles and responsibilities and create achievable goals using defined oral health outcome measures at each level.
Of course, the policy commits to regulate and monitor dental education through a robust system through appropriate bodies of the Government of India. This policy is intended to support the guidelines proposed under the Clinical Facilities Act 2010 for the provision of quality oral health care services in all dental facilities through standard operating procedures. help. The policy advocates for the promotion of establishment of dental clinics, especially in rural and underserved areas.
This policy supports adherence by dental clinics to standard treatment guidelines issued by federal or state governments from time to time. Clearly, therefore, the National Oral Health Policy was introduced to strengthen the enabling environment for all professionals and institutions that actively contribute to providing quality oral health care to the general population. This policy demonstrates the government’s positive intention to improve and enhance oral health services by providing cost-effective and broader access, especially for all high-priority populations. is clearly shown.
There can be no two opinions on the impact of this policy as it will undoubtedly drive the market dynamics of the rapidly evolving Indian dental care market. there is. Greater automation also facilitates easier access to information and patients are becoming increasingly concerned about their oral health. As such, the policy focuses on oral disease prevention and thus promotes community participation. Like other sectors, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the Indian dental sector. Many dentists have been out of business for quite some time and it was a big setback. Dentistry has been hit hard by the nature of its work, which requires direct doctor-patient contact, as most procedures involve saliva and blood, leading to the risk of cross-infection.
This has deferred non-urgent cases addressing only serious issues that adversely affect the patient’s health. Currently, post-corona, the Indian dental care market is expected to grow by 20-30% of his. Unfortunately, the country’s urban and rural geographic distribution is skewed in the distribution of dentists. Private companies currently dominate the market and many startups are entering the space. Ultimately, the growth of the Indian dental sector requires dental insurance to address the financial burdens the sector is currently facing, especially due to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
(The author is a freelancer.
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