RI needs more gynecologists

RI needs more gynecologists

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's population of 196 million people is
served by only 800 gynecologists, most of whom practice in urban
centers.

Gulardi H. Wiknjosastro of the University of Indonesia in
Jakarta says this shortage of gynecologists is the main reason
why the pre-natal and post-natal mortality rates remain high in
Indonesia.

In an oration marking his induction as a senior staff lecturer
at the university's School of Medicine on Saturday, Gulardi said
that about 10 percent of all births in Indonesia involve
complications, including the necessity for a Caesarian section,
which require the services of a gynecologist.

He said that, ideally, Indonesia should have at least 2,000
gynecologists and they should be spread more evenly across the
archipelago.

Currently, some of the tasks of gynecologists are being
performed by midwives -- including traditional midwives, known
locally as dukun anak -- and general practitioners, he said.
However, neither of these has sufficient education and training
to perform the work involved, he said.

Official statistics show that, in 1994, pre-natal and maternal
mortality rates in Indonesia reached 40 for every 1,000 births,
while the post-natal mortality rate was 19 for every 1,000
births.

"These figures are still too high," he said.

Gulardi also said that it was still necessary to promote
public understanding that expectant mothers should pay special
attention to their health, especially between the 22nd and 37th
weeks of their pregnancy.

Pregnant women who suffer from hypertension or diabetes
mellitus, or have a genetic disorder, are likely pass some
effects on to their babies, he said. He added that how the fetus
is nurtured has a determining effect on the later development of
the child.

Pregnant women who live in polluted environments or smoke
tobacco are more likely to give birth to physically or mentally-
handicapped babies, Gulardi said. (rms)