The Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) has said Nigeria has only about 2,200 registered obstetricians and gynaecologists to provide care for an estimated seven million births each year, the organisation said in an interview.
SOGON is the professional body for specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology in Nigeria.
The figure for annual births is based on widely cited demographic data indicating that approximately seven million babies are born in Nigeria each year.
Prof Christopher Aimakhu, Second Vice President of SOGON, said the current number of about 2,200 registered and practising obstetricians and gynaecologists is far below what is needed to serve Nigeria’s population, which exceeds 240 million.
Aimakhu said many of the specialists’ practise in major urban centres, leaving rural areas with fewer skilled providers.
He said insecurity, poor remuneration and inadequate equipment contribute to the limited distribution of specialists outside cities.
SOGON’s data indicates Nigeria would require more than 7,000 obstetricians and gynaecologists spread across the country to serve its population effectively.
The organisation’s figures highlight a gap between the number of registered specialists and the healthcare demands associated with maternal services in Nigeria.
