The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery - Association of Rural Surgeons of India Karad Consensus Statement on Surgical System Strengthening in Rural India

Abstract

In India, 90% of the rural population is estimated to lack access to safe, affordable, and timely surgical care. Surgical care in these settings is often characterized by limited resources. Provision of rural surgical care often requires novel approaches as compared to those in higher income urban sectors, specifically in areas of infrastructure, workforce, and blood. This consensus statement draws upon the wealth of experience held by India's rural surgeons to identify key problems and lay forth actionable solutions in the areas of surgical infrastructure, workforce, and blood supply.