Global perspective of paediatric surgery in low and middle income countries

J Pak Med Assoc. 2019 Feb;69(Suppl 1)(1):S108-S111.

Abstract

There is huge burden of paediatric surgical diseases in low and middle income countries. Issues behind such a scenario include lack of trained paediatric surgeons, higher mortality due to infections, and poor postoperative care. The possible solution is improvement in the existing structure, which is government hospitals, because they are the most prevalent form of healthcare delivery in such countries. Proper coding system, research and identification of paediatric bellwether procedures can improve the existing health system. Task shifting and sharing can help in many areas. The doctors leaving their countries for better training and employment options should be properly incentivised locally. A lot can be done in terms of providing infrastructure, finances, changing mind-sets, developing expertise, making registry and rehabilitation. By doing so, millions of paediatric mortalities can be prevented in low and middle income countries.

Keywords: Global surgery, Bellwether procedures, Congenital anomalies..

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Burns / surgery
  • Child
  • Congenital Abnormalities / surgery
  • Developing Countries*
  • General Surgery*
  • Global Health*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units, Pediatric / supply & distribution
  • Pediatrics*
  • Postoperative Care / standards
  • Quality of Health Care*
  • Surgical Instruments / supply & distribution
  • Traumatology
  • Ventilators, Mechanical / supply & distribution
  • Wounds and Injuries / surgery