Global perspective of paediatric surgery in low and middle income countries.

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.

Duke Scholars

Author Tamara Noel Fitzgerald Surgery, Pediatric General Surgery