Surgical Care in Haiti

Abstract

Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, is woefully lacking in basic medical care as well as having a high burden of surgical disease. Basic operations, trauma interventions, fracture repairs, and obstetrical interventions are the most needed. Limitations in physicians and infrastructure exist and more advanced procedures, such as vascular interventions, are not contemplated. Availability of and access to care are challenges in this resource-poor country. Non-governmental organizations have been vital in Haiti to assist in building surgical capacity, as well as improving access to primary care. Sustainable programs that provide ongoing repeated agendas and educational training curricula, rather than sporadic missions, will be crucial to reducing the burden of both medical and surgical disease.