Khaberni - The head of the Dentists' Guild, Dr. Aya Al-Asmar, confirmed that the Dentists' Guild will make significant amendments to its internal systems in an attempt to address the challenges faced by the pension fund and ensure its sustainability in the long term, with the Guild to hold a meeting of the central body next Friday.
According to actuarial studies, the deficit started to appear since 2010 and gradually worsened until it reached concerning levels, with estimates indicating that the continuation of the current system may lead to the depletion of the fund's resources by 2030, necessitating urgent action to protect the rights of doctors and ensure their professional and social future.
The proposed amendments, according to Al-Asmar, include allowing a doctor to enter into an employment contract with a colleague in the clinic, opening up additional employment opportunities and enhancing the organization of the profession on clear and fair foundations, positively reflecting on the work environment in the dental sector.
Al-Asmar also confirmed that the amendments consider the financial and professional situations of the doctors, as they will not result in any increase in the monthly retirement subscription fees, supporting their economic stability and considering the new generations of practitioners who face increasing professional challenges.
She said that the amendments, especially those related to the system of continuing medical education and the fund, represent a "historic milestone" in the guild's journey, based on an actuarial study conducted by the Social Security institution at the request of the guild, aiming to rescue the fund and ensure its continuity.
She added that these amendments consider the professional and economic circumstances of the doctors and work on adjusting the system to ensure the durability of the fund and the continuation of its services for retirees and their heirs, without imposing any increases on the monthly subscriptions, thus enhancing the financial stability of the members.
Regarding health insurance, Al-Asmar confirmed that the new amendments respond to a long-standing demand by doctors, providing multiple tiers of health insurance that meet the needs of various categories within the guild, noting that the amendments include the internal system and continuing medical education, and propose the "Medical Constitution" and the Code of Ethics, aiming to establish professional and ethical standards in the practice of dentistry.
Al-Asmar emphasized that these reforms come in the context of developing the legislative and regulatory infrastructure of the guild, serving the profession and its members, noting that participation in the workshop and general meeting is essential, as the upcoming discussions will define the features of the next phase.
This call comes amid increasing challenges faced by the dental sector, most notably the rise in the number of graduates versus limited job opportunities, economic pressures resulting from rising operational costs, and the declining purchasing power of citizens. The fund, which represents a safety net for doctors after years of service, has faced financial difficulties in recent years, raising concerns among participants, making its reform urgent.
For their part, dental doctors confirmed that the introduction of the "Medical Constitution" and the Code of Ethics reflects the guild's desire to keep up with global developments in the profession, as adherence to ethical and humanitarian standards has become an integral part of practicing dentistry, along with the necessity for continuous scientific knowledge updating through continuing medical education.
They confirmed that the guild is facing a pivotal phase that will determine the shape of its internal systems and the future of the services provided to members, at a time when there is an increasing need for radical reforms to ensure the sustainability of the profession and enhance its status in society.
