At least 160 million patients annually cannot receive necessary surgery, which shows progress towards universal, affordable surgical care is dangerously off track. Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) bear the brunt of this crisis.
This stark reality emerges from a new study. A global coalition of 60 health experts demands urgent action. They warn that only 26% of LMICs are on track for timely access. None meet the recommended surgical volume.
QUALITY AND COMPLICATIONS REMAIN CRITICAL CONCERNS
The quality of surgical care presents a key concern. Approximately 3.5 million adults worldwide die within 30 days of surgery. This number significantly exceeds combined adult deaths from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Overall, 50 million patients globally suffer postoperative complications each year.
Wound infection is the most frequent complication. Surgery also contributes significantly to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Up to 96% of infected wounds in LMICs link to AMR.
REFRAMING SURGERY: A FOUNDATIONAL HEALTH COMPONENT
The study, “Surgical Health Policy 2025–2035,” was published on July 14 in The Lancet. It was led by the University of Birmingham’s NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery.
Senior author Professor Aneel Bhangu stresses surgery’s importance. He states, “Surgery is not a luxury. It is a lifesaving, cost-effective intervention.”
It underpins resilient health systems. Without urgent investment, millions will continue to suffer. They will also die from treatable conditions. Researchers recommend reframing surgery. It should be seen as a foundational component of health systems. Investment in surgery boosts patient care across many diseases. It increases access to diagnostics, intensive care, and critical drugs.
UNLOCKING A SURGICAL PROSPERITY DIVIDEND
Increasing access to essential surgery can yield economic benefits. This creates a “surgical prosperity dividend.”
Scaling up cancer surgery in LMICs offers immense potential. Breast, stomach, colon, and rectal cancer surgery can be expanded. This could enable 884,000 people to return to work. It could also boost the global economy by over $80 billion annually. Innovative funding models for surgery are essential.
Currently, half of cancer surgery patients in LMICs face catastrophic out-of-pocket payments. This can lead to poverty.
BUILDING RESILIENT AND EQUITABLE SURGICAL SYSTEMS
The report emphasizes resilience and equity in surgical care. Efforts must focus on making surgical services resilient. This includes preparedness for future emergencies. Pandemics, climate change, and armed conflict threaten care.
Most countries show little progress since the COVID-19 pandemic. Adopting circular economy principles in surgical systems is also vital. This reduces waste and carbon emissions from operating theatres. Operating theatres account for up to 25% of total hospital emissions.
ADDRESSING DISPARITIES
The study also calls for addressing gender disparities. This includes surgical leadership roles. Improving access for marginalized populations is crucial. This helps address inequalities in health outcomes.
The report highlights surgery’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It impacts health, economic productivity, and national security. It proposes new benchmarks for 2025–2035. These will guide global efforts and ensure accountability. Co-lead author Dr. Dmitri Nepogodiev notes the pivotal moment for surgery. He emphasizes securing funding to expand access while maintaining quality. We must prepare surgical systems for an unpredictable world.