Con: Pure service delivery is no longer needed in global surgical missions

Excerpt

Medical providers have a long history of volunteerism and service to those in need. For many of us, this concern for the health of others less fortunate represents why we were drawn to the medical profession in the first place. The Lancet Commission’s Report on Global Surgery highlights the vast health inequalities that exist between high- and low-income countries. Five billion people do not have access to safe, affordable, surgical and anesthesia care when needed. Furthermore, 143 million additional surgical procedures are needed every year in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in order to save lives and prevent disability.1 Other important details are not as clearly defined. These relate to the most cost-effective, feasible, and replicable means to implement the systems needed to reduce these inequalities and promote health equity. …