Role of pathology in improving health care in poor resource environments

The task of a Pathologist is to provide an accurate specific and sufficiently comprehensive diagnosis to enable the clinician to develop an optimal plan for patient treatment and to a large extent possible, estimate prognosis. Modern Pathology practice is closely linked with all clinical departments and it serves as a bridge between the beginning of disease and how the disease ends. It is obvious that Pathology practice is central to patient care and it is the science behind the cure. However the paucity of pathologist in resource poor countries has posed a challenge to effective health care delivery.

This is a review article aimed at reviewing the challenges of Pathology practice in poor resource environment. The author reviewed literature in Medline and other journal on challenges facing health care in developing countries of sub-Saharan region of Africa. Solutions to some of these challenges were also provided and the way forward for the practice of Pathology in Africa.

Literature review showed that there were negative factors that affected the effective practice of pathology. These factors are:-Lack of political will of most Governments to appropriately provide resources, according to United Nation standard. Absence of National Health Insurance Policy, population control, and infrastructural support. Poor funding, training and, lack of motivation which is prevalent in most resource poor countries.

Private Partnership with public health institution, donor agencies and non-government agencies is believed to be the only solution to good clinical practice including pathology practice.