SCIENCE PERSPECTIVES

Disparities in Pediatric Surgical Care in Puerto Rico: A Call for Action

Carmen Ramos, MD

School of Health Professions and School of Medicine

University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus

Río Piedras, PR 00936

carmen.ramos6@upr.edu

The provision of pediatric surgical care is a priority for our medical community. During the last years, we have seen an increment in our population and a higher demand for medical and surgical services. Unfortunately, the health care workforce has decreased and many physicians are migrating to the United States and other countries in search for better work and educational opportunities (Nieves, 2008; Bundred, 2000). Our population is now at disadvantage. In addition, our health care system has been suffering modifications in the last 12 years, bringing new barriers to access, modifications of referral patterns, and overcrowding of our Emergency Rooms (Comision Evaluadora Reforma de Salud; Triple S Management Corp Annual Report, 2005). These problems are leading to disparities in the delivery of health care to our children, especially in surgery. This paper describes a case series of situations encountered over the past 6 months which seriously jeopardized the health of our children. The importance of identifying risk factors for health care disparities is emphasized...

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