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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Care | Debate

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

Authors: Amir Humza Sohail, Muhammad Hassaan Arif Maan, Mohammed Sachal, Muhammad Soban

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2019

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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.
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Metadata
Title
Challenges of training and delivery of pediatric surgical services in developing economies: a perspective from Pakistan
Authors
Amir Humza Sohail
Muhammad Hassaan Arif Maan
Mohammed Sachal
Muhammad Soban
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-019-1512-9

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