Regime-controlled areas are witnessing price chaos and great differences between the prices set by the Dentists Union and the prices charged by doctors in Damascus and its countryside.
Sawsan, a public sector employee, asserts that the prices of one type of treatment differ from one clinic to another on the same street. Dentists now set their prices as they wish, according to Sawsan.
The pro-government dentists union acknowledged that all dentists are violating the price list, as the cost prices are higher than the tariff set by the union.
According to media reports, dentists are calling for an increase in the fare of examination and treatment, justifying that by the high costs of medical materials, and the decline in the price of the Syrian pound against the dollar. These demands come in all conferences held by the Dentists Syndicate.
The cost of treating one tooth (canal root and filling) is 75,000 Syrian pounds, while it increases in other clinics to reach 90,000 pounds. (1 dollar = 3500 pounds)
Dr. Muhannad, a dentist in Damascus, considered that the prices have risen sharply because of the drop of the pound against the dollar.
However, he believes that the price is close to what it was, taking into account the difficulty of securing the materials needed for treatment, such as fillers, anesthetics, and others, which are imported from outside the country.
Dr. Muhannad explained to Baladi News that the cost of treating the full tooth, as determined by the Dentists Syndicate was 700 pounds, and the exchange rate was equivalent to 46 pounds to one US dollar, meaning that the cost is roughly equivalent to 15 US dollars as approved by the union.
He continued that “the prices are almost the same or a little more when evaluated in dollars.”
Limited income
However, people who spoke to Baladi News say that the cost of dental treatment exceeds any employee’s ability. They explained that even if they have two jobs, in the public and private sector, where wages range from 50,000 to 70,000 pounds in the public sector, and wages in the private sector range between 100,000 and 150,000 pounds.
This means that a person who has two jobs can hardly cover the cost of treating one tooth if they pay every penny they get in one month for that expense only.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
