Global surgery and the sustainable development goals

Abstract

Background The field of global surgery has gained significant recent momentum, catalysed by the 2015 publication of the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery, Disease Control Priorities 3 and World Health Assembly resolution 68.15. These reports characterized the global burden of disease amenable to surgical care, called for global investment in surgical systems, and recognized surgery and anaesthesia as essential components of universal health coverage. Methods A strategy proposed to strengthen surgical care is the development of national surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia plans (NSOAPs). This review examined how NSOAPs could contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 by 2030, focusing on their potential impact on the healthcare systems in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia. Results Due to the cross‐cutting nature of surgery, obstetrics and anaesthesia, investing in these services will escalate progress to achieve gender equality, economic growth and infrastructure development. Universal health coverage will not be achieved without addressing the financial ramifications to the poor of seeking and receiving surgical care. NSOAPs provide a strategic framework and a data collection platform for evidence‐based policy‐making, accountability and implementation guidance. Conclusion The development and implementation of data‐driven NSOAPs should be recognized as a powerful road map to accelerate achievement of the SDGs by 2030.

5G-assisted telementored surgery

“…Transmission via optic fibre is a viable option over a short distance with established structures; however, the main advantage of 5G is the possibility of telementoring at very long distances with hardly any structures (antennas and router). Thus, it would be an optimal resource for underdeveloped areas and/or areas with a scarcity of experienced surgeons.…”

Financial toxicity risk among adult patients undergoing cancer surgery in the United States: An analysis of the National Inpatient Sample

“…8,22 In fact, even the 10% risk rate for financial toxicity among privately insured patients reported in the current study was double the World Bank estimate of 5% for individuals in high-income countries being at risk of catastrophic expenditure for surgical care. 23 The results of the current study should be interpreted in light of several limitations. The calculated maximum out-of-pocket expenditure did not include premiums or out-of-network costs.…”

Surgery as a component of universal healthcare: Where is South Africa?

“…Large segments of the young working population may be unable to contribute to this broader societal development process if afflicted by untreated surgical conditions. [11] For an upper middle-income country like SA, failing to invest in surgical care could result in GDP losses of up to 2% by the year 2030 as a result of premature disability and mortality. [12] To improve surgical care, the National Department of Health (NDoH) could utilise the NSOAP framework, as a 'systems'based and fully costed approach, to deliver an essential surgical package through NHI.…”

“…We encourage the new Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, to prioritise surgical care as a means to strengthen the SA health system and make progress towards the SDGs. [11] This is likely to translate into significant improvement in the health and wellbeing of all South Africans.…”