The current status of pediatric radiology in India: A conference-based survey

INTRODUCTION: Like most other developing countries, India has a large proportion of children among its population. However, the facilities for adequate treatment of this large population is inadequate. The development of pediatric radiology as a subspecialty is still at an infant stage in India. The goal of our study was to assess the awareness about the current status of pediatric radiology in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was handed over to all attendees of a pediatric radiology conference to assess their opinion regarding the adequacy of pediatric training and practice in India. The questionnaire consisted of 10 multiple-choice and two descriptive questions. Descriptive statistical methods were used for analyzing the results. RESULTS: Eighty-one out of 400 delegates responded to the questionnaire. Among these 81 respondents, 50 (61.7%) felt that exposure to pediatric cases during postgraduate course was inadequate. Sixty-three out of 81 (77.7%) respondents thought that specialized training is required for practicing pediatric radiology, and 79 respondents (97%) felt that the number of such training programmes should increase. Forty-five out of 81 respondents (55.5%) were interested in pursuing pediatric radiology as a career. CONCLUSION: According to the opinion of the respondents of our survey, pediatric radiology remains an underdeveloped speciality in India. Considering the proportion of the population in the pediatric age and the poor health indicators in this age group, elaborate measures, as suggested, need to be implemented to improve pediatric radiology training and the care of sick children in India.