UK experts join Indian medics to improve care for surgical patients

EXPERTS from the University of Birmingham have joined medical professionals in India to set up an innovative research centre that will help to improve care for surgical patients.

Among the first studies to be launched would be a surgical trial to look at interventions to reduce post-surgical infection.

A study to evaluate the access to healthcare for patients requiring surgery is also included among the list of studies to be conducted in India.

A team from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) reached the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC) in Ludhiana, north India, as part of the project.

NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery (GHRU) expert Dr Dmitri Nepogodiev said: “Each year, 4.2 million people die within 30 days of an operation, half of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries such as India. 

“Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is the most common surgical complication and this workshop represents an important step forward in reducing SSI in India and other countries.

“SSI can have a catastrophic impact on patients in India, driving many people into poverty as they struggle to work and pay healthcare bills.”

Launched with partners from low and middle-income countries, and the Universities of Edinburgh and Warwick, the unit aims to establish hubs and trial centres in India.

The other partner countries will also perform their own clinical research relevant to local populations, while serving global needs.