Editorial: National audit of critical care resources. How long before we act?

The estimated annual expenditure on health care is vastly different in the USA (16% of GDP) compared with developing countries (approximately 3% of GDP).1 South Africa is unique in sub-Saharan Africa, where expenditure on health is relatively high and is estimated to be between 8% and 10%.1 Despite this, there are serious limitations to many aspects of health care delivery based on multiple factors in South Africa. It may be argued that it will take decades before we outlive the injustices imposed on our society by apartheid. In attempting to offer reasonable and responsible guidance to policy makers and politicians, clinicians and allied health care workers have an obligation to base decisions on objective evidence. Southern African Journal of Critical Care Vol. 24 (1) 2008: pp. 4-6