Disparities in Access to Minimally Invasive Surgery in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

Background

Although every human being has a basic right to access quality health care, the unfortunate reality is that inequities still exist in the year 2025. The inequities may be readily visible in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), and they are most apparent in the specialties that require significant allocations of human and institutional resources, such as the provision on minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

Purpose

This discursive paper explores the reasons for the disparities, taking into account the fundamental differences between the health care environments in LMICs and high-income countries.

Research Design

This is a discursive paper that considers expert opinions on the inequities in healthcare in LMICs

Study Sample

This study discusses the availability of MIS in the health care environments in LMICs of the Anglophone Caribbean.

Data Collection and/or Analysis

A literature review of all published data from LMICs in the Anglophone Caribbean.

Results

This disursive paper explores the reasons for disparity in access to MIS and proposes strategies to restore equity in LMICs.

Conclusions

It is possible to overcome these challenges, but it requires strong leadership, development of creative solutions, and a concerted effort to change the health care environment.