RI needs more gynecologists<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's population of 196 million people is
\nserved by only 800 gynecologists, most of whom practice in urban
\ncenters.<\/p>\n
Gulardi H. Wiknjosastro of the University of Indonesia in
\nJakarta says this shortage of gynecologists is the main reason
\nwhy the pre-natal and post-natal mortality rates remain high in
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
In an oration marking his induction as a senior staff lecturer
\nat the university's School of Medicine on Saturday, Gulardi said
\nthat about 10 percent of all births in Indonesia involve
\ncomplications, including the necessity for a Caesarian section,
\nwhich require the services of a gynecologist.<\/p>\n
He said that, ideally, Indonesia should have at least 2,000
\ngynecologists and they should be spread more evenly across the
\narchipelago.<\/p>\n
Currently, some of the tasks of gynecologists are being
\nperformed by midwives -- including traditional midwives, known
\nlocally as dukun anak -- and general practitioners, he said.
\nHowever, neither of these has sufficient education and training
\nto perform the work involved, he said.<\/p>\n
Official statistics show that, in 1994, pre-natal and maternal
\nmortality rates in Indonesia reached 40 for every 1,000 births,
\nwhile the post-natal mortality rate was 19 for every 1,000
\nbirths.<\/p>\n
\"These figures are still too high,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Gulardi also said that it was still necessary to promote
\npublic understanding that expectant mothers should pay special
\nattention to their health, especially between the 22nd and 37th
\nweeks of their pregnancy.<\/p>\n
Pregnant women who suffer from hypertension or diabetes
\nmellitus, or have a genetic disorder, are likely pass some
\neffects on to their babies, he said. He added that how the fetus
\nis nurtured has a determining effect on the later development of
\nthe child.<\/p>\n
Pregnant women who live in polluted environments or smoke
\ntobacco are more likely to give birth to physically or mentally-
\nhandicapped babies, Gulardi said. (rms)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-needs-more-gynecologists-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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