Expanding Access to Surgical Care Toward Universal Health Coverage

The National Surgical Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan is an invaluable country resource with the capacity to promote increased access to safe and affordable surgical and anaesthesia care if implemented. Although cost of implementation is only a fraction of Health Sector Strategic Plan cost in the countries with costed plans, it is important that the funding of the plans is based on sustainable financing strategies. This will ensure appropriate and timely implementation and sustainability of the plan itself. The aim of this review was to discuss and make recommendations on innovative and sustainable strategies for financing national surgical plans in sub-Saharan Africa.