Global surgery: Interconnected healthcare systems providing surgical access to diverse populations.

Global Surgery: Why It Matters and How We Can Improve Access Worldwide

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Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness May 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the critical role of global surgery in addressing healthcare inequities and building sustainable health systems for all."


Global surgery is an overarching theme that brings essential material to the forefront of global health discussions. This is especially important in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where basic surgical needs are often unmet due to limited resources.

The focus on improving surgery and surgical access worldwide is critical, demanding long-lasting solutions through consistent implementation and sustainable improvements. These efforts are crucial not only in LMICs but also for addressing the surgical needs of an aging global population and managing the increasing burden of diseases such as cancer and obesity.

While specialized issues such as surgical infections, cancer in a molecular era, and surgery for the elderly are important, it is essential to highlight global surgery as a core component of human healthcare. This recognition is vital because global surgery is frequently overlooked in broader global health agendas.

The Stark Reality: Surgical Access and Global Disparities

Global surgery: Interconnected healthcare systems providing surgical access to diverse populations.

Despite advancements in medicine, a staggering five billion people—two-thirds of the world's population—lack access to adequate surgical care. This disparity highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches and qualitative methods in surgical care, which are often underappreciated in quantitative, outcomes-focused research agendas.

Adding real-world narratives to statistical data frames the dire circumstances in which a large portion of the global population lives. It underscores the harsh realities and the crucial need for effective solutions, especially where traditional methods fall short.

  • Addressing Surgical Needs: Focus on essential surgical care for underserved populations.
  • Innovative Solutions: Develop and implement creative, sustainable approaches to overcome resource limitations.
  • Equitable Access: Advocate for policies and practices that ensure fair and just access to surgical services.
It's vital to reflect on the historical context of global surgery, including the impact of colonial-era interventions. Modern global surgery emerged in the early 1980s, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential for repeating past mistakes. While awareness of roles and distinctions has grown, stories of well-intentioned surgical tourism or global healthcare missions often prioritize personal satisfaction over the cultural and traditional needs of local communities. Upholding the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence is essential for ensuring long-lasting, sustainable improvements.

Building a Sustainable Surgical Ecosystem for All

Progress in global surgery requires careful resource prioritization and an understanding of the potential financial burdens related to surgical care. Essential surgery must be a central component of comprehensive healthcare for all populations. Financial models should focus on meeting the needs of at-risk populations rather than maximizing revenue. Incremental improvements, ongoing monitoring, and thorough audits are essential for success. Achieving broader buy-in from politicians, health leaders, and funders across nations is critical.

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