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Neurosurgery in Pakistan: Past, Present, and Future
Erum Ajmal1,2, Hamza Khilji1,2, Ernest J Barthélemy1,2
1Division of Neurosurgery, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn , New York , USA.
Neurosurgery
|November 4, 2024
Summary
Neurosurgery in Pakistan shows growth despite economic challenges. Efforts are underway to improve access to essential neurosurgical care, particularly for stroke patients, aiming for equitable healthcare delivery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Global Health
- Healthcare Systems
Background:
- Pakistan faces persistent economic and political instability impacting healthcare development.
- Socioeconomic barriers hinder comprehensive and equitable access to surgical care.
- Developing accessible neurosurgical services is a critical challenge in Pakistan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the development, current status, and future prospects of neurosurgery in Pakistan.
- To assess the neurological and neurosurgical disease burden in Pakistan.
- To understand the challenges and progress of neurosurgical care in a lower-middle-income country.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed for neurosurgery in Pakistan.
- Analysis of relevant articles on the neurosurgical landscape.
- Ecological research using World Bank and IHME data on disease burden.
Main Results:
- Pakistan's neurosurgical workforce has grown significantly, with approximately 450 neurosurgeons.
- The density of neurosurgeons is 0.114 per 100,000 population.
- Access to essential neurosurgical procedures, like stroke treatment, remains a challenge, contributing to Pakistan's high stroke mortality rate (3rd leading cause of death).
Conclusions:
- Neurosurgery in Pakistan has advanced despite political and economic instability.
- The field shows promise for expanding equitable neurosurgical care.
- Addressing access barriers is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
