The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery was established in January 2014, comprising an international, multidisciplinary team of 25 commissioners, supported by advisors and collaborators over 110 countries across six continents. The Commission's focus is on bridging the gaps in accessibility and affordability of surgical care in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) by developing safe, essential, and life-saving surgical and anesthesia services. Its objective is to reduce case fatality rates for common, easily treatable conditions such as appendicitis, hernias, fractures, and obstructed labor through the provision of fundamental surgical care.

As Malaysia looks towards the future, Global Surgery initiative seeks to ensure the delivery of patient-centered services and enhance accessibility particularly for remote populations nationwide.

In the recent decade, Malaysia has undertaken variety of strategies and innovations to enhance access to healthcare services, particularly in the fields of surgery and anesthesia. The Malaysian context of the Global Surgery initiative exemplifies the country's progress by consolidating surgical interventions and innovations from the past and present. This initiative illustrates Malaysia's commitment to improving accessibility and equity in surgical care across diverse disciplines, encompassing both simple and complex procedures conducted in rural and urban settings, clinics, and hospitals, driven by creativity and resource optimization through collaboration among multiple agencies.