A 6-month course for training general practitioners (GPs) in surgical emergencies was developed and piloted in Ethiopia. The course was designed after an assessment of the surgical manpower needs in Ethiopia. Seven GPs were selected by the Ministry of Health (MOH) from rural hospitals that had no surgical specialists but had operating facilities. The course consisted of 1 week of lectures followed by 11 weeks each in obstetrics/gynaecology and general surgery. The GPs trained in district hospitals under the supervision of surgical specialists. Emphasis was placed on practical experience in managing a limited number of previously identified surgical emergencies. Follow up 9 months after completion of the course showed that five of the seven GPs had completed significant numbers of life saving procedures. Complications occurred largely in advanced disease. Difficulties remain with the recognition of the GPs' training and their supervision. We conclude that GPs can be trained to provide life saving surgery in a short training programme at a modest cost, but mechanisms for ensuring ongoing support need to be established.