Global Shortfall in Essential Surgical Care Affects Over 160 Million Patients Annually

Despite advancements in healthcare, progress toward providing universal access to safe and affordable surgical procedures remains alarmingly inadequate. Each year, approximately 160 million individuals worldwide are unable to access necessary surgeries, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experiencing the highest burden of this crisis. The disparity highlights a significant gap in health service delivery, threatening efforts to improve global health outcomes.

A coalition of 60 health experts from 20 countries has issued a stark warning: only 26% of LMICs are on track to meet the goal of providing surgical services within a two-hour radius, and no country has yet achieved the recommended surgical volume of 5,000 procedures per 100,000 people annually. This shortfall compromises patient safety, as surgical care quality remains a critical concern. Annually, 3.5 million adults die within 30 days of undergoing surgery, surpassing combined deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Postoperative complications affect around 50 million patients globally each year, with wound infections being the most common issue. Surgery also plays an unintended role in antimicrobial resistance, with up to 96% of infected wounds in LMICs linked to resistant bacteria. These issues underscore the urgent need for investments and reforms in surgical health systems.

The report ‘Surgical Health Policy 2025–2035: Strengthening Essential Services for Tomorrow’s Needs’ published in The Lancet emphasizes the importance of integrating surgery into broader health system strategies. Key recommendations include recognizing surgery as a core health service, expanding access to cancer surgeries that could significantly boost economic productivity, developing innovative funding models to reduce financial barriers, and enhancing system resilience against emergencies such as pandemics, climate change, and conflicts.

Furthermore, addressing gender disparities and ensuring equitable access for marginalized populations are vital steps toward reducing health inequalities. The report also highlights the environmental impact of surgical services, advocating for sustainable practices that lower waste and carbon emissions, which account for a substantial portion of hospital pollutants.

Co-lead author Dr. Dmitri Nepogodiev stresses that now is a critical moment—funding cuts threaten to undermine surgical progress, and global preparedness for future shocks remains insufficient. The role of surgery in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is evident, impacting health, economic growth, and security. Establishing clear benchmarks and accountability measures will be essential for advancing surgical care worldwide.

This comprehensive call to action aims to reinforce the vital role of surgical services in global health, urging immediate steps to bridge existing gaps and build resilient, equitable health systems for the future.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-millions-lack-access-essential-surgery.html