Diagnostic radiology: geography of a high technology

A survey was made of the manpower employed, facilities available and utilization of radiology in countries in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia. The data obtained are compared with those from industralized societies in temperate climates. The level of use of radiographic services varied by a factor as high as 40. The differences between the level of radiology manpower available could be over a hundredfold and for x-ray technologists, many hundred times. The concentration of services in capital cities is characteristic of many tropical societies. Measures to improve radiologic health care in tropical countries, with particular emphasis on rural areas, are discussed. The main need is for availability of radiodiagnosis close to the primary care level in rural areas to deal with the important clinical problems of trauma, chest infections, and obstetrics. Simplification of equipment and employment of technicians with short training can help relieve maldistribution of services.