GENERAL SURGERY AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CORNERSTONE: A REVIEW OF ITS IMPACT ON GLOBAL HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES.

Abstract

General surgery, often narrowly viewed as an individual clinical intervention, holds a profound yet frequently undervalued role as a cornerstone of public health. This review synthesizes existing literature to elucidate general surgical services' multifaceted impact on population health outcomes, health disparities, and global health initiatives. We demonstrate that timely and quality general surgical care significantly reduces morbidity, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across diverse populations, addressing a substantial portion of the global burden of disease from acute conditions like trauma and appendicitis to chronic ailments. A central finding is the pervasive nature of health disparities in surgical access and outcomes, driven by socioeconomic status, geographic location, and ethnic factors. Vulnerable populations consistently face barriers such as prohibitive costs, lack of facilities in rural areas, and systemic inequities, leading to delayed presentations and poorer prognoses. Conversely, the evidence highlights general surgery's potential to mitigate these disparities when integrated into equitable healthcare frameworks. Furthermore, the review examines the evolving landscape of global surgery, showcasing how general surgical expertise is instrumental in strengthening healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries. Initiatives focused on capacity building, infrastructure development, and innovative task-shifting models are making measurable progress in expanding access to essential surgical care. By integrating a public health perspective, this research underscores the indispensable nature of general surgery, advocating for its strategic inclusion in national and international health policies to advance universal health coverage and promote health equity worldwide.