Lack of neurosurgical care in low and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Neurosurgical care is an essential component of healthcare, and access to timely and appropriate care is critical for patients worldwide. However, the lack of neurosurgical care in rural and low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a major public health concern that needs to be addressed. According to a study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery, there is a significant shortage of neurosurgical care in LMICs, with 86% of the global population lacking access to safe, affordable, and timely neurosurgical care. This shortage is particularly acute in rural areas, where patients often face significant barriers to accessing care.
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The lack of neurosurgical care in LMICs has significant implications for patient outcomes. Neurosurgical conditions such as traumatic brain injury, hydrocephalus, and brain tumors require timely intervention to prevent long-term disability and death. However, patients in LMICs often go without treatment or receive inadequate care due to limited access to healthcare facilities, medical supplies, and trained medical personnel. This can result in significant disparities in health outcomes and quality of life for those living in these regions.
Addressing the shortage of neurosurgical care in LMICs requires a multifaceted approach. One key component is increasing the number of trained neurosurgeons in these regions. However, training programs must be tailored to the unique needs of LMICs, and efforts must be made to retain trained neurosurgeons in their home countries. In addition, there needs to be increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, including the availability of medical supplies and equipment, and the development of referral networks to facilitate access to care for patients in rural areas.
Efforts to increase access to neurosurgical care in LMICs have been underway for several years. For example, the Global Neurosurgery Initiative, launched by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies, aims to increase access to neurosurgical care in LMICs through education, research, and advocacy. Similarly, the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery has called for increased investment in surgical care in LMICs, including neurosurgical care, to address the significant unmet need for surgical services in these regions.
In conclusion, the lack of neurosurgical care in rural and LMICs is a significant public health concern that requires urgent attention and action. Increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, training programs, and advocacy efforts are needed to address this issue and improve health outcomes for patients in these regions.
References:
Dewan MC, Rattani A, Gupta S, et al. Estimating the global incidence of traumatic brain injury. J Neurosurg. 2019;130(4):1080-1097. doi:10.3171/2017.10.JNS17352
Haglund MM, Warf BC, Fuller AT. Neurosurgery in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. World Neurosurg. 2018;112:e240-e252. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2018.01.204
Park KB, Johnson WD. Global neurosurgery: the unmet need. World Neurosurg. 2016;88:32-35. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2015.12.005
Meara JG, Leather AJ, Hagander L, et al. Global Surgery 2030: evidence and solutions for achieving health, welfare, and economic development. Lancet. 2015;386(9993):569-624. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60160-X