Density and regional distribution of radiologists in a low-income country: the Ghana situation

Abstract

Abstract Background This study assessed the density and distribution of radiologists across all 16 regions in Ghana to generate reference information for planning and policy formulation to encourage radiology specialization and in designing systems to improve the dissemination of radiological services across all the regions in Ghana. Method A cross-sectional design was used to collect secondary data on all radiologists (n = 93) registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana (MDCG) as of December 2022. This information collected on the records of the MDCG was confirmed with records from the Ghana Association of Radiologists. Population and land area data were also collected from the National Statistical Service of Ghana for each region in the country. The Stata statistical software version 15 was used to analyze the data collected. Results There were 93 radiologists in the country. The majority were male (n = 60, 65%) and about one-third of the radiologists were female. The national density of radiologists was 1.9 radiologists per 5000 km2. Only 3 of the 16 regions in the country had a better distribution of radiologists per 5000 km2. There were three radiologists per million people in Ghana with a skewed regional distribution. Seven out of the 16 regions lacked radiologists. The proportion of female radiologists stationed within the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions was 87.9% (29/33). The Bono, Eastern, Northern, and Western regions had one female radiologist each. Conclusions Actions are needed to improve the shortage and skewed distribution of radiologists. The outcome will help to improve radiological services across all the regions in Ghana.