Lancet Commission on Global Surgery - A Public Health Initiative

Many of these conditions will require surgery and in 2015, the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery was launched. The Commission ́s key findings reveal that human and economic consequences of unmet surgical needs in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) are substantial and for many years have gone unrecognised.4,5 • Five billion people lack access to safe, affordable and timely surgical and anaesthesia care when needed. • 143 million additional surgical and obstetric procedures are needed every year to save lives and avoid disability. • Due to out-of pocket payments for surgery and anaesthesia 33 million people annually face catastrophic consequences for themselves and their family. • On a national level, also for LMICs, investing in surgical services saves lives and promotes economic growth. Without necessary investments in surgical care LMICs will continue to have shortfalls in productivity estimated to USD 12.3 trillion between 2015 and 2030. • Surgery, obstetrics and anaesthesia are indivisible, indispensable parts of all national health care systems.