Challenges of training and delivery of pediatric surgical services in developing economies: a perspective from Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Background As the pediatric population requiring health services rises globally, developing countries are struggling to cater to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases - particularly those requiring specialized surgical care. Main body Despite the literature supporting specialized pediatric surgical care, the developing world is far from meeting the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Manpower taskforce recommendation of at least 1 qualified pediatric surgeon per 100,000 patients (0–15 years-old). In Pakistan, there is an unmet surgical need in the pediatric population due to a multitude of short shortcomings, notably in quality and quantity of the training programs on offer, and urgent short- and long-term steps are needed to improve this dire situation. Conclusion It is crucial for the global surgical community to take steps, especially with regards to pediatric surgical training, to ensure delivery of accessible and quality surgical care to the world’s children.

Keywords

• Pediatric surgery
• Pediatric workforce
• Specialized surgical care
• Low- and middle-income countries