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Survey of Emergency and Surgical Capacity in the Conflict-Affected Regions of Sri Lanka

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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.

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Correspondence to Breena R. Taira.

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Taira, B.R., Cherian, M.N., Yakandawala, H. et al. Survey of Emergency and Surgical Capacity in the Conflict-Affected Regions of Sri Lanka. World J Surg 34, 428–432 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-009-0254-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-009-0254-5

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