Survey of emergency and surgical capacity in the conflict-affected regions of Sri Lanka

World J Surg. 2010 Mar;34(3):428-32. doi: 10.1007/s00268-009-0254-5.

Abstract

Background: Three decades of internal conflict in the North and East of Sri Lanka have taken a toll on the health care system in that area.

Methods: We proposed to quantify the current status of capacity to deliver emergency, anesthesia, and surgical interventions in the conflict affected areas of Sri Lanka. The World Health Organization (WHO) Tool for Situational Analysis to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care (EESC) was used to evaluate 47 health facilities.

Results: Although most have trained health care providers capable of basic procedures, infrastructure and supplies were severely lacking.

Conclusion: These data can be used as a basis for the recovery and rebuilding of EESC capacity in conflict-affected areas of Sri Lanka.

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Medical Services* / standards
  • Emergency Medical Services* / supply & distribution
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Sri Lanka
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative* / standards
  • Warfare*