Yes they are surprisingly cost-effective in the countries Watsi operates in, which isn't intuitive for those of us who live in places where surgeries are very expensive.

"A review across 23 LMICs found that low-complexity surgeries (e.g., appendectomy, hernia repair) cost only about ~$17 per DALY, whereas even complex procedures were often cost-effective" (Most surgeries on Watsi are low-complexity)

"Reports from the WHO and Lancet Commission consistently emphasize that investing in surgical capacity has high value, in many cases, more than essential drugs or vaccines on a per-DALY basis"

Both quotes from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12893-025-03204-0