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Priyanka Ramesh, Syed Maroof Ali, Aamir Saghir, Salman Sharif and Samir Irfan Wasi

ABSTRACT

Objective: To observe the neurosurgical facilities and patient burden among practicing surgeons in the public and private sectors.

Study Design: Prospective observational study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi from 25^th May 2022 to 25^th June 2022.

Materials and Methods: Representatives of neurosurgical institutes throughout Pakistan filled an e-questionnaire. This e-questionnaire comprised demographic details of the hospital, outpatient and in-patient load, number of cases and equipment facilities.

Results: Data was collected from 43 neurosurgery centers. Around 1/3^rd were public-sector hospitals, and approximately 1/3^rd was affiliated with Medical Universities. Most of the institutes were based in Punjab (41.9%) and Sindh (30.2%). Consultant (m:1, IQ:1) to patient burden (m:100, IQ:115) was found to be steep. There was non-availability of equipment like drill, endoscope, CUSA and image-guided system in all provinces, but severe deficiency was found in one province.

Conclusion: This study shows that improvement in the overall neurosurgical setup in Pakistan is required. Our results suggest that patient burden is increasing, and there is a deficiency of neurosurgical facilities in both public and private sectors all over Pakistan. The stakeholders in Neurosurgery need to take notice and correct this promptly, with local and international help.

Key Words: Neurosurgical practice, Neurosurgery in Pakistan, Neurosurgery practice in developing country, burden of Neurosurgery in Developing countries

Citation of article: Ramesh P, Ali SM, Saghir A, Sharif S, Wasi SI. Current State of Neurosurgical Practice in Pakistan. Med Forum 2022;33(8):7-10.